s 799 F2br 1958-1960 "■ ■ May I, 1958 April 30, I960 MONTANA Fish and Game Commission I I M,°,NTANA,STATE LIBRARY JIJI II III II III II 3 0864 0016 1674 0 BIENNIAL REPORT of the MONTANA FISH AND GAME COMMISSION May 1, 1958 -April 30, 1960 CONTENTS Administration 4 Recommended Legislation 7 Law Enforcement 3 Information and Education 10 Game Management 16 Fisheries 90 Statistics 37 Published by MONTANA FISH b GAME DEPARTMENT Helena. Montana FOREWORD Many lives have been spent and volumes recorded by persons searching out secrets of the intricate relationships between living creatures and the earth. With each new secret uncovered comes the realization that even more lie hidden. As each new fragment of in- formation is pieced together, we realize also that there is a pattern in the world about us. No one force or animal acts independently without affecting or being affected by others. The understanding of these natural phenomena not only influences our present welfare, but may well decide the future existence of civili- zations. History has pointed to those that have collapsed due to a lack of understanding. Because of the complex unity of animals, plants, soils, and waters, it is impossible to manage wildlife without becoming involved in the affairs of other resources. It is impossible for any one person to gain in a lifetime a mastery of all resource information. Further, the ability to manage nature's products is not inherent, but comes only after years of study and experience. This points out the critical need for well trained men to direct and control the use of such a valuable heritage. It is common knowledge that the proper use and control of re- sources involves in a great part the management of people. Any pro- gram that does not have public support is doomed to eventual failure. Sentiment, prejudice, and desires for personal gains are human traits that must be understood and overcome. Consequently, an intensive and well rounded program of public information and education is a must in Fish and Game activities. The Montana Fish and Game Department is staffed with well trained and dedicated employees. An honest appraisal of the Depart- ment's achievements, compared to those with similar goals, will show that Montana ranks among the top in scientific management of game and fish. It is our intent, with the help of every person in the De- partment and interested sportsmen, to hold this position and at the same time to recognize and cooperate with other natural resource interests. This report presents very briefly the Department's activities over the last biennium. W. J. EVERIN Director. Montana Fish & Game Department To the Honorable J. Hugo Aronson Governor of Montana Dear Governor Aronson: We herewith submit the Biennial Report of the Montana Fish and Game Commission for the period of May 1, 1958 to April 30, 1960. This report summarizes the operations of the Fish and Game Department for the past two years with particular emphasis on in- come and expenditures. This is in compliance with Montana law. The job of maintaining good hunting and fishing in this state is becoming more difficult each year. Population increases, changes in land and water use practices and constantly increasing demands for recreation complicate the problem. Successful maintenance of this resource would be impossible without the help and cooperation of the Governor's office, the legis- lature and other Montana citizens. We hope this report will be helpful to you, to members of the legislature and to all who have an interest in this state and its wildlife wealth. Respectfully submitted, H. W. Black, Chairman, Poison John T. Hanson Sr., Vice Chairman, Malta E. J. Skibby, Member, Lewistown R. D. Shipley, Member, Miles City William T. Sweet, Butte, Deceased E. G. Leipheimer Jr., Member, Butte W. J. Everin, Secretary -3 — ADMINISTRATION Montana's Fish and Game Department has grown from a handful of wardens in 1902 to a complex and widely distributed organi- zation. This growth is not surprising in the light of our expanding population, modern transportation, the compounded pressure on natural resources, and on increased need for recreation. In a department whose responsibilities and income have risen from near oblivion to a near 21 2 million dollar annual concern, the job of administration has not only been ex- panded, but because of the magnitude of operations, must be exacting to withstand the most critical scrutiny of the public and of higher administrative officials. Accurate records of both income and mon- eys spent must be maintained and accounted for. Considering the great diversity of fish and game interests and projects, this in itself is no mean task. Detailed inventories of properties and procurements must be main- tained and innumerable records of operations must be kept in good order. Advantage has been taken of electronic business machines to insure accuracy and speed of handling sta- tistical materials as well as other facets of administration. Unlike most state agencies, the Fish and Game Department does not derive its moneys from the state's general tax fund, but rather is dependent upon its own resources for fi- nances. Under this system the persons who benefit directly from the wildlife resource pay for its management. Under this system also, the state benefits in that they are able to participate in federal aid funds. Should it become necessary for the Fish and Game to be budgeted through the general fund, federal aid which amounts to an appreciable amount of money would be lost and would go to other states. FISH AND GAME ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICTS s. ? r^ HOOSCVtLT \::^r INCOME AND EXPENDITURES May 1, 1958— April 30, 1960 fiscal year 1958 fiscal year 1959 FINES 1.5 PERCENT MISCELLANEOUS 3.9 PERCENT. NON -RESIDENT FISH & GAME LICENSES 30.7 PERCENT NON - RESIDENT FISH & GAME LICENSE 32.1 PERCE ,** s*V RESIDENT FISH & GAME IK I \M > 39.4 PERCENT MM s If. IM-IK I VI RESIDENT FISH & GAME IK ENSES 37.0 PERCENT INHiRMUoN - Fill I.VTKIN kOO PERCENT V COMMISSIONERS 0,11 PERCENT SHOPS & WAREHOUSE GAME MANM.FMFN1 28.84 URGENT □ § i § i I § 1 i § I § § i I i I I i I § I § 1 § i § I I I i i i i § i §" I i § i i i i i i § § § § i § i § i i §" RECOMMENDED LEGISLATION Special Non-Resident Deer and Antelope Licenses There is a need to exert greater hunting pressure than provided by resident hunters in certain areas of the State. Since 1955 the Legislature has granted the Commission au- thority to issue special $20.00 Deer and special $20.00 Antelope Licenses for two-year periods. The following numbers of licenses have been issued each year: 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 Non-Resident Deer Licenses 2623 6445 5038 7533 9291 Non-Resident Antelope Licenses ..3495 5033 2895 0 1237 Because there is yet a need for providing greater hunting pressure in certain areas of the State, it is recommended that the Legisla- ture grant authority to the Commission to continue the issuance of special Non-Resident Deer and Antelope Licenses. Migratory Waterfowl Refuge Lands There is an urgent need to preserve a rela- tively small acreage of wet lands in Montana for migratory waterfowl habitat. Public own- ership of certain wet land areas would assure use of such lands for waterfowl propagation. The funds received by the Federal Govern- ment from sale of Duck Stamps are earmarked for acquisition of such lands. However, before any wet lands may be purchased in the State by the Federal Government, an enabling act authorizing the purchase must be passed by the Legislature. It is therefore recommended that the Legislature pass an enabling act authorizing the Federal Government to acquire wet lands in Montana for migratory waterfowl refuge purposes. Hunter Safety — Wearing Red On Clothing Section 26-302 of the Fish and Game Laws requires that every person who hunts big game animals shall wear- a cap or hat, shirt, jacket, coat or sweater of bright red color. Safety studies regarding hunting accidents have in- dicated that red is not the most distinguishable color to all people. Bright orange and yellow have been found to be more discernible colors. It is therefore recommended that Section 26- 302 be amended to include the colors of Red, Orange or Yellow, to be worn singly, or any combination of such colors may be worn. Add Mourning Dove to Migratory Game Bird List The Migratory Bird Regulations annually provide an open season on mourning doves in those states desiring such a season. Montana raises great numbers of mourning doves each year. The doves migrate south in late summer or early fall. In order to provide an open season on mourning doves in Montana, it is recommended that Section 26-201 of the Fish and Game Laws be amended to include mourning doves on the migratory game bird list. Amendments to Motor Boat Registering and Water Safety Law After two years of administering the Boat Registration and Water Safety Law, a number of provisions of the act have been found to need clarification or amendment to make them more workable. Some of the recommended changes are as follows: a. The statute should clearly state that the money received for sale of Boat Certificate of numbers should be deposited to the credit of the Fish and Game Fund. Any fine money collected from violators which have been apprehended by Fish and Game officials should also be deposited to the Fish and Game Fund. b. It is recommended that the life preserver equipment requirement be amended to exclude the requirements for passenger-carrying boats which meet the standards required by the Coast Guard and which have been inspected and awarded a document showing approval by the Coast Guard. c. It is recommended that the provisions con- cerning fire extinguishers be amended so that exactly the same provisions as required by the Coast Guard be followed. Ex-Officio Wardens Section 26-114 should be amended to au- thorize the Fish and Game Director to appoint field personnel employed by the Department primarily for other than law enforcement work, as Ex-Officio Fish and Game Wardens. Such personnel, because of their assignments, are in the field of activity where violations occur. Although such field personnel now re- port such violations to regularly appointed en- forcement officers, an ex-officio status would in many cases expedite prosecution of violators apprehended. LAW ENFORCEMENT Jim Jordan is pictured here in the regulation warden uniform. (Photo by B. J. Rose.) During the past biennium there has been an increased work load in Fish and Game law enforcement. This increase is partly due to new laws that have extended the duties of State Game Wardens into fields with which they were not formerly concerned and partly due to increased use of fish and wildlife re- sources. By law, it is the duty of State Game Wardens to strictly enforce Fish and Game laws of Montana and the orders, rules and regulations of the State Fish and Game Com- mission. As a part of this duty they must see that all those who hunt and fish or take game or fur-bearing animals, game birds or fish, have proper licenses. This phase is ex- tremely important in assuring the Department an adequate operating income. It is their duty at all times to assist in the protection, conservation and propagation of fish, game and fur-bearing animals, game and non-game birds, and to assist in the plant- ing, distributing, feeding and caring for fish, game and fur-bearing animals, and game and non-game birds; it is their duty when ordered by the State Fish and Game Commission, to assist in the destruction of predatorj animals, birds, and rodents; it is their duty to do and perform all other duties prescribed from time to time by the State Fish and Game Com mission. To fulfill these requirements, il Ls necesi arj for the division to change over the years in order to meel changing demands broughl aboul by increased use of wildlife resources and the resulting complexity of Fish and Game man- agement. Today, the Warden has many addi- tional duties prescribed by the State Fish and Game Commission, and only about 30% of his time is spent in direct Fish and Game law en- forcement activities. He spends 15% of his time in administrative duties such as rotuine inspection of license dealers, game and fur farms, fish ponds, out- fitters, fur dealers, locker plants, and also routine maintenance of buildings and equip- ment. Twenty-five per cent of his time is directed to Fish and Game management activities such as game and fur damage control, trapping and transplanting, game-bag and creel census, fish planting, stream and lake surveys, predator control, checking stations, game and game-bird census. Public information and education activities involve thirty per cent of the State Game Warden's time. This activity has become in- creasingly important during recent years. More intense game management has demanded greater and greater public understanding, and the warden is a field representative whose constant public contact can be extremely ef- fective in promoting a better understanding. In addition to this, youth training in hunter safety and adult training in boat safety and hunter safety also consumes the warden's time. State Game Wardens are also an important part of the civil defense organization of the state and cooperate closely with other state enforcement and fire-fighting agencies. During the biennium, the warden force has been maintained at an average of fifty State Game Wardens and sewn Distrut Warden Supervisors. An effort has been made to im- prove the effectiveness of tins field force by selecting better qualified individuals and by conducting formal in-service training programs for new employees. Two way radios in prop- erly maintained vehicles have helped make this field lone more effective, Listed on page 9 ai e comparative Pish and Game law violation information Eor this biennium, These data are onlj concerned with the law enforcemenl phase of the State Game Warden's aeli\ ities. FISH AND GAME VIOLATIONS May 1, 1958 through May 1, 1959 through April 30, 1959 April 30, 1960 Big Game 363 496 Game Birds and Migratory Waterfowl 164 144 Fish 438 478 Fur Bearers - 34 19 Water Safety 64 185 Shooting Safety ... 54 66 Miscellaneous 229 177 TOTALS 1346 1565 FISH AND GAME VIOLATIONS By Warden Supervisor District May 1, 1958 through May 1, 1959 through April 30, 1959 April 30, 1960 District No. 1 167 District No. 2 254 District No. 3 ... 315 District No. 4 248 District No. 5 191 District No. 6 106 District No. 7 65 TOTALS 1346 156 308 364 362 159 97 119 1565 FISH AND GAME FINES By Type of Violation Big Game Game Birds and Migratory Waterfowl Fish Fur Bearers Water Safety ... Shooting Safety Miscellaneous ... TOTALS May 1, 1958 through April 30, 1959 May 1, 1959 through April 30, 1960 $ 14,123.00 $ 17,840.15 3,828.50 3,067.50 8,045.00 10,239.00 1,090.00 400.00 387.56 1,815.00 1,242.50 1,030.00 5,238.50 4,456.60 $ 33,955.00 $ 38,848.25 NFORMATION & EDUCATION The importance of fish and wildlife can not be minimized. The Fish and Game De- partment manages a resource that both fur- nishes clean, healthy recreation for thousands of outdoorsmen and provides income for other thousands. Service stations, sports dealers, cafes, guides and outfitters, and countless others depend on fish and wildlife for a por- tion or all of their annual income. Conse- quently, a great many people are keenly in- terested in the welfare of this resource. With so many interests involved it is in- evitable that there should be conflict. Un- fortunately, many conflicts result from a lack of understanding or misinformation. It is im- peritive, then, that the Department continue an intensive information and education pro- gram. This need has been felt so strongly that a specialized division with field repre- sentatives is maintained. Information and Education personnel work through all media of communications. Direct correspondence, bulletins, newspaper, radio, television, and magazines afford an outlet for Information. Direct work is done through civic groups, sports organizations, youth groups, schools, other resource agencie: and interested organizations. Following is a brief iption of major Information and Educa tion activities: Information Sen i< The days when h tions could be poste id Eishmg regula ■plioue pole and trees went out with the model T. Modern management and the outdoor public demand rapid and widespread news coverage. In order to get this coverage, the Information-Educa- tion Division prepares and distributes two news releases each week. In addition, im- portant events of urgent nature are given im- mediate release. News materials are sent to all newspapers, radio stations, television sta- tions, and wire services in Montana. Feature articles of both state-wide and local interest are prepared as projects arise. The Depart- ment has been most fortunate in the amiable cooperation given by all news media. Television stations throughout Montana have generously given free time to the De- partment. Programs of both news and edu- cational nature are presented from television stations in Butte, Missoula. Great Kails, ami Billings. Programs from Williston, North Da- kota, are beamed into northeasl .Montana where Little television coverage is otherwise available. Information bulletins covering a wide field of Interests have been prepared and are \ei\ useful in providing information. These are used primarily to answer inquiries thai would otherwise necessitate bulky and time-consum- ing correspondence One such bulletin. "Mon- tana Camping, Picnic, and Fishing Access Areas." was prepared in cooperation with the Montana I lighwaj Advertising I >h ision Both stale and federal resource agencies have been very helpful bj willinglj providing informa tion for bulletin use. 10 — The periodical "Montana Wildlife" con- tinues to be a popular pamphlet. It is dis- tributed free of charge to schools, sports clubs, and individuals upon request. The purpose of the bulletin is to acquaint the sporting public with Department projects and to instill a better understanding of management practices and philosophies. A library, primarily of technical literature, is maintained in the Information - Education offices for use by Department personnel. District Representative Local operations of the Montana Fish and Game Department are based upon seven ad- ministrative districts. Information and Edu- cation representatives have been assigned to four of .these districts. The four areas are Missoula, Great Falls, Billings, and Glasgow. District operations for the Information and Education program have facilitated a more complete and well rounded program. Local television and radio shows give special atten- tion to current management operations and problems. Newspaper contacts are based upon events in the immediate vicinity. This ties the Information and Education program to the problem affecting the surrounding public. In addition to radio, television, and news- papers, there are numerous public contacts made through sportsmen's clubs, civic clubs, schools, and camps. A district or local program of information and education will assure the proper distribu- A youth group getting in-the-field instruction by I & E personnel. (Photo by Tom Smith.) tion of information to the Montana public. During the past, the Department has received criticism due to inavailability of information. This increased activity in the field of informa- tion and education should maintain a high level of understanding of the Department's program of Fish and Game Management. Audio-Visual Education Ever since the advent of motion picture film, be it either for educational purposes or strictly entertainment, its impact upon the public cannot be denied. It had long been noted by the Fish and Game Department that meetings conducted by sportsmen's clubs or other organizations were decidedly better at- tended when there was promise of a film- showing. Before sound film, its success depended to a large extent upon the oratorical powers of the accompanying narrator. On occasions the local projectionist had of necessity to impro- vise; consequently, the subject matter was not always of the same version. The addition of sound on film actually helped the projectionist in that he did not have to be familiar with the subject matter. The film itself carried its own message each time it was shown and always the same — no deletions or omissions — and complemented with appropriate background effects. Television opened up new horizons by broadening the area covered and contacting a more diversified audience. Largely because of television and its potentialities, the Fish and Game Department through its I & E Division decided to take full advantage of this new medium. After much judicial care and planning, the necessary components were purchased and housed in a building remodeled to suit the requirements of the new program. All the technical aspects, such as duplicating, adding sound track, background effects, etc., are under the supervision of the department's movie and photographic section. All scripts are approved and released by the I & E Division. The objectives are to take full advantage of all older and historically valuable film and to enhance their value by adding sound as — 11 — well as duplicating or making several copies. All new programs will likewise be edited and released with sound. It is hoped that this will render a more personal interest and a better understanding of the department's problems, policies and hopes for the future. Hunter Safety During the 1957 session of the Legislature, the firearms safety training law was enacted. It called for instruction of Montana's teenage hunters in the safe handling of firearms. The responsibility for this program was placed on the Montana Fish and Game Department. Organizational work was accomplished the first year, and the actual training of young- sters began in March of 1958. The instruction covered safe handling of firearms, game laws, survival training and hunting tips and tech- niques for novice hunters. The course was enthusiastically received by volunteer instruc- tors and students alike. With the assistance of the National Rifle Association, Montana's methods, techniques, and training material were set up and later were imitated by several other states. As of the end of May, 1960, there have been 1866 instructors certified, of which ap- proximately 950 are effect ires; that is, they have taught a course of instruction to at least one class of youngsters. These instructors have made a monumental teaching accomplishment, having taught more than 20,000 students in firearms safety since the beginning of the program out of a total of 118,000 big game hunters in the State. The results obtained from the safety train- ing program were spectacular. For instance, in 1959 only one trained youngster was respon- sible for a hunting death, whereas in previous years teenagers have been responsible for an i erage of 8 or 9 fatalities a year and an undetermined number of injuries. In recognition of these outstanding results. i in- int.-i r i . j 1 iuii.li A:.: ocial ion el' ( lame. Fish, and Conservation Commissioners awarded a plaque to the Montana Fi ih and ( tame I >e partment. The competition was entered mid by 40 states ami pro\ inces, with Montana being i uiiiic r up Id New York. The Water and Hunter Safety Section of the Information and Education Division has been compiling information and reports on all firearms accidents in the State with a view toward educating the hunting public in the prevention of tragic firearms deaths. Edu- cation in this field has been highly productive and the cost per student has been nominal. Throughout the future years, the Montana Fish and Game Department feels that the safety program and the educational methods are the most important tools to combat fire- arms and hunting accidents. Water Safety Since 1959. boating and water recreational activities have shown a tremendous increase in Montana's waters. Recognizing this fact, the 1959 session of the Legislature enacted statutes concerning boat licensing, rules of the road, and general water safety. This program was enthusiastically endorsed by boat opera- tors throughout the State. The responsibility for this program was placed on the Montana Fish and Game De- partment's Water and Hunter Safety Section of the Information and Education Division. The law was enacted in March of 1959 and by July boat licensing began on a large scale. A public education program was undertaken by the Information and Education Division to inform Montana's boaters of the new law's requirements. Over 7.000 boats have been licensed since the law went into effect. This classification includes only boats of more than ten horse- power. In L959, ten separate boating accidents caused ten deaths, with an undetermined num- ber of accidents. It is expected that a safety training program will reduce this appalling number and provide safety in Montana's grow- ing water recreation activity, Youth Education Considerable demands were made upon the Department to furnish fish ami game instruc- tion for youth groups. BOJ Scouts camps. -1 II camps, ^\u\ public schools were well supplied 111, lecll ildlife re structio Montana'- -12 — Particular emphasis is placed upon the inter-relationship of animals to soil, water, and plants. Adult Education During this biennium the Department spon- sored the wildlife extensions' forums for adults through the MSU and MSC. In addition to this, Department representatives met with sportsmen clubs to explain management pro- grams and regulations. Trapper Education The Montana Fish and Game Department, in order to assist persons having damage caused by fur-bearing and predatory animals, initiated the Extension Trapper Instructor pro- gram on a pilot basis in the Hi-Line area. A group of Boy Scouts receives field training in trap- setting techniques. Many groups such as this one received instruction in trapping methods. (Photo by Max Stone.) Research and investigations state that when predatory animals prey upon livestock and poultry, it is due to the work of one or a few individuals. When these are removed, damage usually stops until others develop the habit. The logical person to control livestock and poultry losses- is the farmer or rancher. This type of control is quick, effective, se- lective, and economical. Money is not wasted in killing off those predatory animals not causing livestock or poultry losses. It is the duty of the Trapper Instructor to meet with groups and individuals who request this assistance, and give talks on predator-prey relationships, show movies and slides, hand out literature on trapping and make demon- strations of trap settings. Often a set is made on a farm or ranch to take an animal causing damage. A farmer or rancher is then quali- fied to make sets by himself in the future should the need arise. An influx of red fox and other lesser nui- sance animals caused considerable apprehen- sion on the part of sportsmen, farmers, and ranchers. The reaction was to press the Fish and Game Department for a bounty system. Much of the effort of the Trapper Instructor was directed toward demonstrating the inef- fectiveness of a bounty system. In July of 1959, the bounty was removed from the bob- cats, and the red fox was removed from the fur-bearer list and left unclassified. This latter move was very helpful in dealing with the red fox problem. Certainly the removal of the bounty on the bobcat was a step in the right direction and in keeping with sound game management concepts. Not all requests for assistance came as a result of carnivore activity. Beaver damage control required considerable time. Extended and no-limit beaver seasons greatly assisted in reducing beaver damage complaints. Due to the proximity of wild animal rabies in North Dakota, particularly red fox and skunks, some .ime was devoted to educational programs to inform the public about rabies and its control. Several methods of furnishing information were used. Television programs, radio pro- grams, newspaper articles, meetings with groups (sportsmen's clubs, civic organizations, 4-H Clubs, FFA groups, Boy Scouts, elemen- tary and secondary schools), forums, county fair exhibits, and newsletters. In addition, the following publications were distributed at meetings and mailed to persons requesting them: "The Red Foxes of Michigan", the Michigan Department of Conservation; "Pred- ator Control, How and Why", the Missouri Conservation Commission; "A New Approach to Predator Management in Montana", "Mag- pie Ups and Downs", "You Should Know About Rabies" and "From Traps to Pocket- book", all published by the Montana Fish and Game Department. 13 — By teaching people to help themselves, the Trapper Instructor approach to predator dam- age control places the responsibility upon the Montana citizen. Certainly, by helping the farmer and rancher to help themselves, the Fish and Game Department is helping to main- tain the integrity of the individual and at the same time keeping pace with modern wildlife management principles. A summary of meetings, newspaper articles, radio and TV programs, forums and other contacts is given in the following table. Wildlife Exhibit Each summer the Department's display of native wildlife is scheduled at fourteen state and county fairs. The exhibit has proved to be one of the popular displays at the fairs. Here is an opportunity for Montanans to gain an appreciation and understanding of wildlife. Conflicting fair dates restrict the expansion of the exhibit. SUMMARY OF MEETINGS, TV, RADIO PROGRAMS. DEMONSTRATIONS AND FAIRS ATTENDED Type of Meeting No. of Talks Meetings Attendance Given Films Shown 4-H Clubs Boy Scouts Sportsmen's Groups Schools and School Groups Men's Clubs-Civic Organizations Personal Contacts F&W Meetings Other Meetings TOTALS 14 4 22 11 6 54 3 8 122 266 140 1.300 512 194 87 124 296 2^919 Television Programs Radio Programs Newspaper Articles ... Department Meetings County Fairs Attended Daniels County, Scobej Phillips County, Dodson Mill County, Havre Richland County, Sidnej Valley County, Gla Blaine County, Chinook TOTAL DAYS IN ATTENDANCE 14 WILDLIFE EDUCATION EXTENSION PROGRAM Adult Education The Fish and Game Department financed a program of adult education in cooperation with Montana State University and Montana State College. Under terms of a memorandum of under- standing between these institutions, a series of educational lectures on wildlife and resource management is presented to the public. As stated in the original agreement, the purpose of this program is to: "develop a better understanding of advanced manage- ment of the natural resource base to the end that a more favorable environment for wild- life species may be attained and maintained." This program which developed at Montana State University in 1949 was adopted by the Montana Wildlife Federation in 1952. Since the goal of this series is to further the ob- jectives of good wildlife management, the Fish and Game Commission agreed, in 1954, to underwrite the cost of conducting the work. Originally, $7,500 was deposlited with the treasurer of each school. With the current in- crease in operation the program now amounts to $19,000 annually. Wildlife Extensionists operating from the two university units present forum lectures to groups in many sections of the state. Location of Forum Towns 1958-1960: Butte, Ennis, Sheridan, Lincoln, Billings, Huntley, Forsyth, Glendive, Bull Lake, Libby, Eureka, Kalispell, Seeley Lake, Baker, Wibaux, Belt, Fort Benton, Great Falls, White- hall and Manhattan. The forum series was presented to 7,370 interested Montanans. Public High School Lectures Lectures were presented to 500 students. Teacher Conservation Workshops Teacher workshops with a total of 1,433 teachers present were conducted during the biennium. 4-H Camps Classes were presented to 842 4-H'ers. Civic and Sportsmen Groups Numerous wildlife management talks were given to civic and sportsmen clubs. An esti- mated 2,470 people were contacted. In addition to this, many meetings of statewide and na- tional importance were attended. Wildlife Extensionists traveled over 100,000 miles during the past biennium. 15- GAME MANAGEMENT Maximum opportunity to hunt game birds and animals in a sporting manner under pleas- ing circumstances is foremost among the objectives of game management. Only by applying scientific fact-finding to the basic nuestions of game management can this ob- jective be met year after year. Fact-finding must supply answers to questions on at least three important items to accurately guide hunting .season recommendations. Habitat. Game birds and animals must have a place to live — an adequate habi- tat. For example, the only way healthy, productive big game herds can be main- tained is by keeping their numbers in balance with range food supplies. Sur- veys wich measure the amount of use and the trend toward improvement or deterioration on vital winter ranges provide the facts in this case. Population Trends. Surveys which de- w i nun • the relative abundance of bird population on spring breeding grounds and surveys which determine the pro portion of young game birds and ani- ,, the population are examples of population surveys. Harvest. Checking stations and mail questionnain uppl; an wers or the — 16 number of game birds and animals har- vested, hunter success and many other facts about hunting on a statewide, dis- trict and hunting area basis. Compila- tion and analysis of this vast quantity of information requires the use of high- er mathematics and electronic business machines. There are two important reasons why the Montana Fish and Game Department constant- ly digs for facts and depends so heavily upon facts to resolve questions. First, experience no matter how rich and varied is not sufficient if it is not kept up to date by thorough analysis of new problems. Today's problems differ in detail from the similar problems on which experience was acquired. Second, it' game management is really the process of getting sportsmen, landowners. V\\\ <-i.ii Agencies and Department personnel, each with their own opinions, needs and enthusi- asms to work together, there e.m be no more effective arbiter of differing opinions than THE FACTS Results ri I the game management program red in the qualitj and quantitj tjoyed bj Montana's big game hunters and bird hunters. The great quantity of outdoor recreation provided by Montana hunting seasons can best be illustrated by the fact that hunters could legally be afield after some type of feathered or furred game from early September through February in both years of the biennium. Dyed-in-the-wool hunt- ers extol the intangible benefits of recreational hunting. Even more evident are the tangible products — the great harvests of birds and game animals shown in the accompanying table (fig- ure 0 ) . Montana is right at the top as a hunter's paradise. This has not always been the case. Progressive game management has greatly increased hunting opportunity in the last dec- ade in the face of increased numbers of hunt- ers. In 1948, 189,000 pheasants and 24,700 snarptailed grouse were harvested. In 1958. ten years later— 210,000 pheasants, 77,000 Hun- garian partridges, 59,600 prairie grouse and 72,600 mountain grouse were harvested. In addition, two game birds — turkey and chukar partridges — have been introduced and now provide recreational hunting. Big Game hunting has not only held up during the last decade but has actually im- proved to the point where Montana hunters now enjoy the best big game hunting in the United States. The total big game harvests of 140.000 animals in 1958-59 and 150,000 in 1959-60 are unsurpassed by those of any other state. Again, this has not always been true. In 1948, 29,800 deer, 9,600 elk, 50 moose, 2,800 antelope and 40 mountain goats were taken — a total of only 42,000 animals. Compare this to the 120,300 deer, 15,300 elk, 410 moose, 15,700 antelope, 240 goats, 65 bighorn sheep, 1,480 black bear and 60 grizzlies taken by hunters in Montana in 1959. Increased quantity has not been at the cost of quality. The early hunting seasons in Montana's unequalled back country furnish some of the finest recreational hunting in the Nation. In addition, more and more Montana big game trophies are taking over top spots in the Boone and Crockett Club annual compe- tition. A bull elk killed in Madison County in 1958 received the coveted Sagamore Hill Award and ranks as the finest elk ever taken by a hunter. It is reasonable to question whether such superb sport can be sustained indefinitely. Are we perhaps living in a "Golden Age" of recreational hunting which must inevitably fade? We believe that total game harvests can be stabilized at or above the levels now enjoyed by Montana hunters. We must ex- pect, however, to divide this abundance among an ever increasing number of hunters. A sound policy of progressive game management, guided by scientific fact-finding and supported by an informed and progressive citizenry will assure that Montana hunters will enjoy maxi- mum hunting opportunity for a long time to come. Estimated Game Harvest Determined through Mail Surveys Big Game Furbearers Deer 1958-1959 1959-1960 Mink 1958-1959 6,300 1959-1960 6,400 White-tailed 28,200 26,300 94,000 Muskrat ... Beaver . 28,000 12,600* 28,000 Mule 84,900 18,700 Elk 12,200 15,000 Weasel 800 1,000 Antelope 14,000 15,500 Bobcat 1,200 1.900 Moose 470 400 Skunk 2,200 2,400 Mountain Goat 460 240 Coyote 160 240 Bighorn Sheep 65 65 Raccoon 510 1,000 Bear 110 220 Black 1,100 1,400 Fox 123 290 Grizzly 35 60 Canada Lvnx 32 40 Woherine 0 6 Marten ... 275* 480 Otter 40 45 Upland Game Birds 1958-1959 1959-1960 Chinese Pheasants 210.000 174.900 Hungarian Partridges .... 77,000 41.900 Prairie Grouse 59.600 58,800 Mountain Grouse .... .. 72,600 74,500 Turkey 100 375 Chukar Partridges No Season 200 Waterfowl 1958-1959 1959-1960 Ducks ... 238,000 120,000 Geese ... 8,800 5,900 *Determined from Pelt Tagging Records GAME MANAGEMENT DIVISION PROJECTS The Montana Fish and Game Commission has divided the state into seven administra- tive districts. These districts are considered as management areas and personnel working under the above projects are assigned to each district to obtain the information necessary for progressive game management. The bound- aries and headquarter locations of each district are shown on page 4. Facts regarding the over-all welfare of game animals, game birds, and fur animals are gathered on each district. Recommendations for hunting seasons are made on a district basis. The main program consists of the following: 1 — Determination the distribution, characteristics, and trends of the game populations; 2 — Determinations the forage utilization and trend in range condi- tions; 3 Determination the extent and charac- teristic! of the game harvest; 4 — Determine the management implications of the Life history and ecological studies and bag limits thai are compatible with the known tads for each pecies to be harvested. i tying out this pro nine] of the Managemenl Division work closely with members of other divisions of the Departmenl and personnel of the Foresl Service, Bureau m1 Land Management, and other cooperating and inn tsmen's groups. Game research and management activities conducted during the biennium were financed largely by Federal Aid to Wildlife Restoration ( Pittman-Robertson Act ) apportionments. Un- der this Act the State is reimbursed for 75 percent of the cost of approved projects. Pro- jects supported by state and -Federal Aid monies during the biennium are described briefly. District Wildlife Investigations Projects W-71-R-4 & 5 Wildlife Investigations. District 1 ( Northwest ) W-72-R-4 & 5 Wildlife Investigations. District 2 (West Central) W-73-R-4 & 5 Wildlife Investigations. District 3 (Southwest) W-74-R-4 & 5 Wildlife Investigations, District 4 (North Central) W-75-R-4 & 5 Wildlife Investigations. District 5 (South Central) W-76-R-4 & 5 Wildlife Investigations. District 6 (Northeast W-77-R-4 & 5 Wildlife Investigations. District 7 i Southeast I COORDINATION PROJECT W-3-C-18 & D> — W ordination l.llilV Management C This project provides for the general direc- tion and supervision of the wildlife restoration program, consisting of 43 separate projects. This includes the responsibilitj of all fiscal matters, as well as providing office ai supervision and assistance to the over all Wildlife Restoration and Management pro- gram. The Chief of Game Management is assigned the responsibility for carrying out the over all program. The necessarj assistance is provided bj establishing the statewide posi tions of Big Game Manager and Small Game Vlanagei Thej arc directlj responsible for the work conducted in these two broad fields The work on the projects throughoul the state is caiiicd en l>\ management and research under the supervision of the District ( lame Manage] The I rame Managemenl Di vision is a staff and line type organization STATEWIDE INVESTIGATIONS PROJECTS W-37-R-10 and 11 — State Range Researeh Project The purpose of this project is to develop standardized methods for Department person- nel to gather range information. Determina- tion of big game food habits and range rela- tionships are also a phase of this project. The range program is tied in very closely with the management personnel on the various depart- ment administrative districts throughout the state. It also provides the link between the department range program and the range program of the U. S. Forest Service and the U. S. Bureau of Land Management. W-49-R-8 and 9 — Fur Resource Management Predator and Bear Surveys and Investiga- tions Through this project, factual information is being obtained regarding production, eco- nomic distribution, population status, and cer- tain other aspects of the ecology of fur-bearing animals in Montana. This information is ex- tremely important in the development of a biologically sound management program for these animals. Recommendations for trapping regulations are submitted to this project by district personnel. A study has been made regarding predatory animals and their rela- tionship to game and livestock. Also, a study is being conducted in regard to black bear in Montana. This work will fill an important need for the development of an adequate man- agement program for this class of big game. Information gathered to date will make an important contribution to the adoption of open seasons, bag limits, as well as policies and recommendations for legislation having to do with black bear management. W-91-R-2 — Upland Game Bird Research Personnel assigned to this project develop management techniques for use by district personnel. Standardization and testing of methods to be used in gathering facts for management is important to the continued progressive management of game birds. Spe- cial life history studies are being conducted on sage grouse, sharp-tailed grouse, and blue Special studies are being conducted on species ai upland game birds. (Photo by B. J. Rose.) grouse. The results of these studies will pro- vide better management and provide an im- proved recreation for sportsmen. WINTER GAME RANGE DEVELOPMENT The primary objectives of winter game range development are to restrict elk to defi- nite wintering areas where they will not com- pete with livestock operations and to provide a stable forage base for elk herds so the maximum number of harvestable elk may be produced year after year. During the biennium, operations on these areas were designed to maintain existing fea- tures and to further develop and enhance the areas as winter game ranges. Construction and maintenance of fences and buildings, patrol, and herding of elk were routine ac- tivities. Forage production and utilization plots have been established and measured to determine range condition and the amount of use by game. Several of the game ranges continue to increase in popularity for fishing. picnicing and camping as well as hunting. Major construction during the report period consisted of a residence and small patrol cabin on the Sun River Game Range and many sec- tions of boundary fence on several of the other game ranges. — 19 W-27-D-12 & 13 Sun River Game Range De- velopment— near Augusta W-33-D-10 & 11 Blackfoot-Clearwater Winter Game Range Development — near Ovando W-43-D- 7 & 8 Judith River Winter Game Development— near Utica W-62-D- 6 & 7 Gallatin Winter Game Range Development — near Gallatin Gateway W-84-D- 2 & 3 Bowser Lake Winter Game Range Development — near Kalispell W-90-D- 1 & 2 Madison Winter Game Range Development — near Cameron W-92-D- 1 Haymaker Winter Game Range Development — near Twodot >. . vS- *W,W*«E^^ WATERFOWL AND UPLAND GAME DEVELOPMENT W-56-D-6 & 7 — Freezeoul Lake Waterfowl Development Area This area is located thirty-five miles from Great Falls, between the cities of Fairfield and Choteau. Headquarters facilities were greatly improved during the period by the construction of a combination storage shop ;ind office buildint* at the headquarters site. Administrative and access roads were con- structed on the project. These roads were graded and graveled to facilitate year-round 1 I Additional dikes were built which added about 500 acres of water impoundments. Grain crops '.'.en- produced in the state-owned strip around thi of the project. These lefl in the field to attracl waterfowl. E ' ' dent public hunting was provided over mo. .1 of the area. A tii.tl] portion of the proj eel was clot ed to proteel a captive goose flock i ed '" e tablj h w ild gooi e nesting in i ea. W-80-D-1 & 5 — Ninepipe Game Management Area Located in the Flathead Valley near Ronan. Montana, this area provides public bird shoot- ing around the Ninepipe Federal Refuge. It has been developed specifically for public use and as such provides considerable recreation. The land is share-cropped to provide food for waterfowl and upland game birds. Necessary maintenance work is carried on throughout the year. W-61-D-8 & «> — Milk River Game Manage- ment Vrea- This development projeel is Located near Nelson Reservoir at Malta. The objective of this work was <>t improve waterfowl breed ing ne ting feeding and hunting conditions. Existing dams, dikes and levees were improved New water impounding areas have been con 1 1 iu ic.l. One area so constructed had 40 nest- ing ei i ind also kepi up to 500 geese in the area dm ing the hunting season, 20 SERVICE PROJECTS W-5-D-17 & 18 — General Wildlife Restock- ing Project The purpose of this project has been to trap and transplant mountain goats, bighorn sheep, wild turkeys and fisher. During the two-year reporting period, substantial numbers of moun- tain goats were trapped in both the Deep Creek area west of Choteau, and from the Pioneer Range west of Melrose. A release was made in the Pine Creek section of the Bear Tooth Range. Additional goat plants were made dur- ing the period in the Hilgard Range on the east side of the Madison Valley. An attempt is being made to establish these animals through- out a large area of Montana characterized by alpine and sub-alpine habitat. The mountain sheep introductions during the reporting period were made in the Big Belt Range in the vi- cinity of Sheep Creek and Stickney Creeks, south and west of Cascade. Bighorns were also placed in the holding pasture at the southwest edge of the Fort Peck Game Range. It is an- ticipated that increases from this group will be liberated into the Missouri Breaks. Fisher, a fur animal, were obtained from Canada in cooperation with the U. S. Forest Service. These were released in the Pinkham Creek area in Lincoln county and also in the Swan Valley. An additional plant was made in the Rock Creek area east of Missoula. In addition to being a valuable fur animal, the fisher is known to prey on porcupines, a forest pest. Additional plants of wild Merriam's turkey were completed during the reporting period. These plants were made in Sanders county near Plains, the Gates of the Mountains area in Lewis and Clark county and in several other portions of the state. W-58-D-4 & 5 — Statewide Maintenance Waterfowl and upland game bird habitat areas have been developed on 32 reservoirs in eastern Montana. The annual maintenance work consisted principally of the repair of fences to protect portions of these reservoirs from excessive livestock use. This limited fencing of the upper end provided excellent nesting, feeding and resting areas for water- fowl and upland game birds. In all of these areas, sufficient watering space was provided for livestock. W-81-D-3 & 4 — Maintenance of Federal Aid Lands (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) Through this project payment in lieu of taxes on all game range and waterfowl devel- opment areas is made. This lieu of tax pay- ment was authorized by the Montana state legislature by R. C. M. 1953, Section 26-133. These Department lands are assessed by the county so that the payments are comparable to that paid by private landholders in these areas. During the two years reporting, the annual payment to the counties of location amounted to approximately $17,000.00 per year. W-83-R-2 & 3 — Wildlife Investigations Lab- oratory One of the most important phases of the work conducted at the Laboratory has been in the determination of wildlife food habits. This project is headquartered at the State College in Bozeman and provides practical training for a number of wildlife management students. In addition to its obvious importance in manage- ment, food habits information also aids with the interpretation of other information such as range surveys, hunting season manipulation, sex and age ratios and winter mortality. Cer- tain other information, such as age ratio in- formation on the mink harvest, can be obtained only through use of this facility. The Labora- tory personnel also conduct research on the problem of standardization of techniques to be used in certain areas of game management. Game Bird Farms Ring-necked pheasant production continued at both the Fort Peck and Warm Springs bird farms. The Billings bird farm, which at the beginning of the biennium was operated only on a seasonal basis, was entirely discontinued. The brooder houses were sold and removed from the property and the pheasant pens were completely dismantled. The remaining build- ings and facilities are being used by district Fish and Game Department personnel in con- junction with the district headquarters build- ing which was erected on the bird farm property. Ring-necked Pheasant Production Fort Warm Billings Peck Springs Total 1953-1959 6,109 12,162 13,132 31,403 1959-1960 .... 12,760 11,979 24,739 21 — MONTANA <:OOPKKATl\K W II.DI.ll K KKSKAKCH I MI The Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit was established at Montana State Uni- versity on February 8, 1958. It is operated through a coordinating committee with repre- sentatives from the State Fish and Game De- partment, State University and U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Objectives, as established, are: 1. To provide technical and professional training on various levels in wildlife management, teaching, research, demon- stration and administration. 2. To investigate and correlate the produc- tion, utilization, management and resto- ration of desirable populations of wild- life compatible with good land use. 3. To demonstrate research findings through extension and practical manage- ment of game and fur-bearing animals and of other desirable species of wild- life, and encourage wildlife restoration through programs with schools, youth clubs and adult groups. 4. To make available to land-owners and operators, sportsmen, conservation offi- cials, extension workers, teachers and others, the facts, methods and new find- ings discovered through research, and through literature suited to local and state conditions. 5. To disseminate research findings through the publications of reports, bulletins, circulars, and journal and magazine ar- ticles. These to include scientific, semi- popular and popular materials at all levels. Rescan-li Projects'1 1. Mule Deer Population and Winter Range Studies in Western Montana 2. Seasonal Condition of Mule Dei I 3. Mule Deer Winter Forage Relations Study .Continuing 4. Aging of Fisher and Analysis of Reproductive Systems Continuing 5. Population Study of Canada Geese in the Flathead Valley ...Continuing 6. Experiments with the Plastic Jesse-Knot Marker Completed 7. An Ecological and Psysiological Study of the Pine Marten Completed 8. Motion Pictures of Unit Activities Continuing 9. A Physiological and Anatomical Study of Bighorn Sheep Continuing 10. A Study of Lungworm Infection in Bighorn Sheep Completed 11. Quantitative Aspects of Raptor Predation Continuing 12. Big Game Harvest Analysis New 13. Study of Alpine Ecology in the Northern Rocky Mountains Continuing 14. Bighorn Sheep Population Study New 15. An Ecological Study of the Grizzly Bear New 16. Ecology of the Feeding Behavior of Black Bear in Northwestern Montana .ComplHril Continuing New 17. Effect of Magpie Control on Magpie Population and Reproduction New 18. Summer Range Ecology of Rattlesnake Crook Mule Deer in the Spruce-Fir Zone Completed 19. A Studj of Moose in the Rock Crook Drainage Completed Completed projects have been reported on in journals or theses, and in addition, segments of some continuing projects have been pub lished. 22 FISHERIES Montana is a trout state — some of the finest trout waters in the country lie within her borders. However, the popular concept that there are twenty to thirty thousand miles of "well stocked streams" in Montana is danger- ously misleading in that it has given rise to a false sense of security and has fostered pub- lic complacency in conservation of stream fisheries. A stream classification and appraisal prepared during the biennium clearly em- phasizes that Montana fishing streams are limited in both quantity and quality. The Montana Stream Fishery Classification was prepared by a committee of representa- tives from the U. S. Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, Montana State College, and the Montana Fish and Game Department. It pre- sents an inventory and appraisal of Montana's fishing streams. Equally important, it can serve as a guide to all other water-use in- terests. A total of 436 streams or parts of streams, totaling 8,923 stream miles were placed in four classifications. These classes were de- fined as: 1. Streams of national as well as state- wide value; 2. Streams of state-wide value; 3. Streams of value to large districts of the state; 4. Streams of value to smaller districts such as counties. All remaining streams including those not yet classified as well as those of restricted local value were placed in class five. Only 410 miles of stream were in class one, and only 1.072 miles were in class two. Sport fishing is by far the nation's leading outdoor recreation in terms of days and money spent. Some quarter of a million anglers fish in Montana each year. Obviously, the fisheries division faces a tremendous challenge in pro- viding and maintaining the best in recreational fishing. GENERAL FISHERIES MANAGEMENT General fisheries management covers all aspects of fisheries outside of fish propagation in hatcheries. It is concerned with fish losses, including those caused by the damage or destruction of fish habitat; with the proper use of hatchery fish; with stream and lake improvement and rough fish eradication; with fishermen access; with the creation of new fishing waters, and with investigation of management problems. This is the work of the fishery biologist. Much of it is supported with federal aid funds. Some of the more de- tailed studies are made in cooperation with the Zoology and Entomology Department of Montana State College. The following is a summary of work ac- complished during the biennium. 23 DISTRICT PROJECTS Northwest Fisheries District During the biennium 12 streams, 42 lakes and 18 ponds were surveyed in the Northwest Montana Fisheries District. The purpose of these studies is to determine the chemical, physical, and biological qualities of our better sport fishing waters. These surveys are the basis for management recommendations and rehabilitation projects. They also provide the basis for amending the hatchery planting pro- gram to make better use of hatchery fish. Species presently used in managing the north- west district waters are cutthroat, rainbow, eastern brook, golden trout, and largemouth bass. The Flathead River and its tributary streams above Flathead Lake are providing good to excellent cutthroat trout fishing. In order to maintain and properly manage cut- throat trout, a study on this species was under- taken. The study is designed to gain informa- tion on the extent of cutthroat trout spawning areas, the time of spawning, the distance trav- eled, and the numbers of young fish returning to Flathead Lake. The numbers of young re- turning to the lake indicate spawning success. One summer of the survey work has been done. The relationship of yellow perch to cut- throat trout has been studied in Middle Thomp- son and Lower Thompson lakes in order to determine any weak link in the life cycle of perch. The cost of complete perch removal from the lakes would be prohibitive at the present. During the study it was found that perch fry could be effectively killed with toxicant while in schools along the shore. Ac- cordingly, the entire shoreline of lower Thomp on Lake was treated with a fish toxicant from 1954 through 1957 when the perch Erj were i ongri gated in large schools. Middle Thomp on 1 .1 ke a control, wa no1 treated, Accord- ing to observation and "ill ne1 sets made dm in;, the biennium, then- are definitely 6 I ellow perch in Lower Thompson I rake than in Middle Thompi en Lake. Smith Lake, mall < pei imenta] produc- tion pond ti( ai Whitefi h Montana has been tudied inci 195] Yearly, cutthroat troul Ej •■■■ have inch planted during summei and then the following i g th< pond has been drain d and the fish captured. Fish production and numbers as well as the percentage of planted fish that survived in ponds has been computed. During 1958 both fry and yearling cutthroat were planted in the pond. These studies have aided fisheries person- nel in establishing the desired number of trout to be planted in lakes. Studies have also been made on survival of fish planted in one spot compared to those spread over the lake with a planting boat. Smith Lake will continue as a valuable experimental pond in determining means for best utilizing hatchery fish. Milnor Lake near Troy. Montana was chemically treated in August 1959 to remove carp and pumpkinseed sunfish. This lake was treated with 0.1 PPM of "Toxaphene". When the toxicant has dissipated, the lake will be planted with trout. Loon Lake near Ferndale, was treated with emulsifiable rotenone in October 1959 to re- move suckers and squawfish. This lake will be stocked with Ashley Lake Cutthroat during the summer of 1960. Turtle Lake near Poison, was treated with toxicant in October 1959 to remove yellow perch and pumpkinseed sunfish. It will be stocked with west slope cutthroat trout during the summer of 1960. Western heries District General survey work, which provides the basic information for future fish management, was carried out on 53 mountain lakes and 38 streams in the western fisheries district during the biennium. These surveys were concerned with the job of cataloging waters of the area ami determining then- value to the overall Eisherj oi the district. Information n the physical, chemical and biological charac- teristics of these waters and data on their fish numbers w ere collected. As a direct result of basic survej work two barren areas have been stocked and sev eral mountain lake- where planting sary to provide Eishable water-, have been lo cated and added to the planting | < mIht lake- either capable of maintaining Eish through natural reproduction and those not worth; of manai ing Eoi a I ishel j ha\ e been 24- described and recorded. Fishing has been opened on most lakes within the district on a year-round basis. Lake rehabilitation was undertaken in two areas. During the summer of 1958 and the winter of 1958-59 a detailed creel census was con- ducted on Georgetown Lake. The purpose of the study was to get good estimates of total fish taken and the fishing effort exerted on this popular lake. This census will be repeated at two-year intervals for at least six years. Re- sulting information will provide the basis for maintaining the highest quality fishing possible in Georgetown Lake. Estimates from the first year's study showed that 25,000 fishermen caught 47,000 game fish during the summer season. During the winter season 18,000 ang- lers took an additional 70,000 game fish. By weight, these fish totaled 41 tons, or almost thirty pounds of game fish per acre from this productive mountain lake. Bob Averett, pollution control biologist, sets up field equipment while working on a water problem. ( Photo by Tom Smith- ) Two major pollution problems confronted the western fisheries district during the past biennium. Both were on the Clark Fork River — one in 1958 from about 10 to 60 miles west of Missoula, and the other in early 1960 from the river's headwaters to an as yet unknown distance downstream. Immediate investiga- tion of both problems in cooperation with pol- lution control authorities led to the immediate discovery of pollution sources and their sub- sequent abatement. Follow-up studies on the 1958 problem, associated with the pollution control project, have provided estimates that game fish were removed from 25 miles of the Clark Fork. An appraisal of recovery was also established. A similar investigation of the 1960 problem area is scheduled. During early summer of 1959 the U. S. Forest Service sprayed DDT for control of spruce budworms in portions of the east and west forks of the Bitterroot River and their tributaries. In order to determine the effects of this program upon aquatic life in the area, a fishery study was conducted coincident with the spray program. Insect and fish mortalities that occurred during the spray job were in- vestigated and the spray operation was closely observed both from the ground and the air. A report on this study is being prepared. A major, long-range rehabilitation project on the Clearwater lakes was started during the biennium. From September 10 to Novem- ber 11, 1958, the upper Clearwater drainage (Rainy, Summit and Clearwater Lakes and their connecting streams) were treated with fish toxicants. Two hundred and twenty-four surface acres of lake water and nine miles of stream were treated. The purpose of the job was to improve trout fishing by removing suckers, squawfish, chubs and yellow perch and restocking the waters with cutthroat trout. The entire Clearwater Lake chain would constitute too large and expensive a job for the department to undertake all in one year. Also, it is good business to evaluate the prob- able effects of a project of this magnitude before undertaking it in its entirety. Conse- quently, the overall job will proceed slowly by small sections of the drainage. A fish bar- rier at the outlet of Rainy Lake prevents the movement of rough fish into treated upper areas. Through preliminary surveys in the summer of 1959, a second possible barrier site below the outlet of Inez Lake was located. During the next biennium, a detailed barrier- engineering survey, the construction of a bar- rier below Inez Lake, the rehabilitation of Alva and Inez portions of the drainage, and an evaluation of the fishing provided in the completed sections are scheduled. During the fall of 1959 Rock Creek Lake, a small reservoir near Deer Lodge, was drawn down from its normal 3.700 acre feet to 1.000 acre feet in order to repair the dam. This offered an opportunity for chemical treatment — 25 — X ENTERING KTL section R-38 ROCK CREEK CREEL STUDY AREA MONTANA FISH £. GAME DEPT. Valuable management information is gained through long range studies, such as the creel study on Rock Creek near Missoula. I Photo bj B. J Rose of the lake to rid it of great numbers of long- nose suckers. The lake will be stocked with rainbow trout fingerlings during the summer of 1960 and should greatly improve fishing for several years. The Rock Creek creel census study is a research project of vital importance. It will provide valuable information on the use of catchable-size fish for stream planting. The study, begun in 1958, is designed to obtain accurate estimates on the fishing pressure and total fish caught from Rock Creek, a tributary of the Clark Fork River. Checking stations have been set up at each end of the study section so that all anglers using the area must pass through on the single access road to the creek. Stations are manned according to a pre-arranged schedule. Esti- mates of total fish taken and of fishing pressure will be used to evaluate various planting rates of catchable-size trout in Rock Creek study section. The project, now in its third year, is scheduled to i un Eoi a ten year period. Final conclusions on stocking rates will not be made until complel ion of the study. During the firsl i w of the studj I L958 an e timated 14,800 anglers h hed Eoi 55 300 Eii hei men houri and hai \ ested 50,300 game fish during the lummer season. Of this total, 26 pei i 'ni v ere hatcherj Eish planted the Tin. consl 1 1 lit.-, a return to the ■ ■ill oi 35' I of the i mnt which were planted there during L958, I >uring the L959 i ummar on an estimated 14,900 anglen Eii hed 18 900 fishermen hours and caught 45.800 game fish. Twenty-three per cent of this second year's catch was composed of hatchery fish. This was a return to the creel amounting to 39' - of the rainbow trout planted during 1959. Southwest Fisheries I)i>tri<-t During 1958 a series of gill-net sets were made in Canyon Ferry Reservoir duplicating sets made in 1955. The sampling shows a rather rapid domination of the lake by rough fish and a decline of trout despite heavy stocking. Another series of nets will be set in 1960 in order to follow fish population trends and to evaluate an expanded trout stocking program. Near Three Forks, the ponds in three gravel pits were stocked with fish following removal of rough fish with toxicants. The East Pond was stocked with grayling fry. but the fish did not live. The pond will be restocked with grayling in 1960. Rainbow trout stocked in the middle pond have shown excellent growth, as have the cutthroat stocked in the west. During the bienninm renewed effort was put into grayling study and management on the Red Rocks Lakes National Waterfowl Ref- uge. The upper Beaverhead River drainage in the Red Rocks Lakes area is the last strong- hold of self-sustaining stream grayling in the United States. Competition with other fish appears to be adverse to grayling. Improvements weir made in 195 n trout dominated lower Boulder River and the East and West Boulder Rivers; fishermen creels, however, averaged 65 per cent rainbow trout. A general survey of the Big Hole River Drainage was made during the 1959 field season. Fish in the tributaries of the Big Hole River were sampled with the electric shocker and scale samples were taken for age and growth studies. Most of the mountain lakes in the Big Hole Drainage that were accessible by road were surveyed and, in addition, sur- veys were made on ten lakes in the drainage that could be reached only by pack outfit. During the past year work on a large electric shocker that will permit sampling fish in some of the larger streams has pro- gressed nicely. Better management of the sport fishery in the larger streams can be realized if the actual numbers and species of fish there can be determined. Following the August 1959 earthquake in the Madison River area, fish were sampled in the river below the slide. Good numbers of trout and whitefish were present. The im- portance of wild trout was clearly demon- strated at this time. In spite of relatively heavy planting only one trout in ten was a hatchery fish. Temperatures and turbidity in the Madison River as they may be influenced by changes resulting from the quake will be closely followed. Fish and game personnel check the upper Madison River to determine effects of the 1959 earthquake. (Photo by George Holton.) Central Fisheries District Nineteen lakes and impoundments were surveyed during the biennium. Information on size, volume and fish numbers was gathered Light, portable equipment is used on mountain lake surveys. (Photo by Tom Smith.) for use in future management. Fish in five streams were studied by means of an electric shocker. Sampling stations were set up on Belt Creek, and water quality standards are being established for use in determining the effects of any future mine-mill pollution. A method for measuring the ability of water to produce fish is needed. This problem is being approached from three angles: fish growth, total dissolved solids, and periphyton production. Several streams are being sampled regularly. Some phases of this study are being carried out by the department's fishery labora- tory, and the balance is being conducted in the Central Montana Fisheries District. Rehabilitation to remove rough fish and reintroduce trout was carried out on six lakes and reservoirs and one stream. Follow-up surveys were carried out on the Marias River, Kipp Lake, Eureka Reservoir and Tunnel Lake in order to determine the results of previous rehabilitation and replanting. All had good numbers of trout. Nine private ponds were rehabilitated during this period with owners paying the cost of rehabilitation and replant- ing. Cutthroat trout (Salmo clarki ) originally inhabited all Montana waters in and adjacent to the mountains, except for a considerable number of small isolated virgin lakes. To aid in the management of this fine native trout, a study on the distribution of cutthroat and the factors affecting them was completed. Cut- throat were recorded from 699 streams and 244 Montana lakes. They were predominant 27 — in 253 streams and 142 lakes. Rainbow and 'or eastern brook predominated where they were found with cutthroat trout. Cutthroat are presently restricted to the headwaters of streams which originally were inhabited by them throughout. Natural bar- riers have aided in restricting non-native spe- cies from invading cutthroat waters above the barriers. Factors influencing their distribution are stream habitat changes, competition with non-native species and crossing with rainbow trout. No single characteristic was found to be adequate for identification of cutthroat, but when a combination of characteristics were used satisfactory separation of fish over four inches long was achieved. Much of the prob- lem in identification was caused by crossing of cutthroat and rainbow. Their progeny have characteristics of both species. Southeast Fisheries District During the biennium surveys were con- ducted on 63 streams, 13 natural lakes, and four irrigation reservoirs. Two lakes were sounded, mapped and volumes calculated in preparation for future rehabilitation. Many applications for fish to stock farm and ranch ponds were reviewed and recom- mendations made. Detailed surveys were made on three ponds; less intensive surveys on many others. Most farm and ranch ponds in Mon- tana were built for stock watering, irrigation, flood control and erosion control rather than for fishing; consequently, most are not suitable for sport fish production. An effort is made, however, to develop those ponds that have sport fishing possibilities, particularly in east- ern Montana where fishing waters are often scarce. A preliminary investigation was made on loss of fish habitat due to a recent Agricul- tural Conservation Program on Rock Creek (Carbon County) for flood control and repair A more detailed im e: ligal ion on the ifl.it ion hip between I'lo i ing inten: ity and quality of the stream for fish production is in progre 1 1 on Rock < Ireek Five creeks were Investigated as possible sites I'm i tudj of the eJ Eectj oi edimenl on wild trout. Dm ing 1958 a compacl earth dike, enclos ing a 20-acri rectangle, was built to create Branum Lake, a fishing lake at Miles City. This is in an area that has had limited rec- reational fishing because of unsuitable reser- voirs and the absence of natural fish habitat. The Custer Rod and Gun Club paid initial pumping costs to fill the reservoir with water from Tongue River. Water lost by evaporation is replaced by a pump and well incorporated in the project and with waste water pumped from the adjacent Federal Fish Hatchery. Cooney Reservoir and portions of streams tributary to this reservoir were chemically- treated in October 1958 to eliminate carp in the reservoir and to reduce numbers of other undesirable fish in the drainage. Toxaphene was applied to the reservoir and the streams were treated with a combination of toxaphene and liquid rotenone-based toxicants. This is an irrigation storage reservoir where, in spite of heavy trout planting, fishing had become poor due to the increase of carp and suckers. The reservoir has been restocked with rain- bow trout which are expected to grow to catchable size during the summer of 1960. Lost Lake was chemically treated during September 1959. It is an alpine lake located in the Custer National Forest on the Lake Fork of Rock Creek in the Beartooth Plateau. The lake contained many suckers which were probably introduced by fishermen using small suckers as bait. It is a considerable distance from the normal range of suckers; then this unwanted guest not only limited pro- duction of desirable fish in the lake but was a potential source of contamination of other nearby waters. Willow Creek Reservoir and part of Lodge grass Creek were chemically treated in Maj 1950 to control carp, suckers, pumpkinseeds, chubs, and shiners. These fish made up more than 90 per cenl of the fish in this body of water. Approximate^ 225 -.aliens of toxicant were aerially applied to the reservoir, and the inflow im: waters weir tieated by dripping chemicals into the water above the diversion structures on Lodgegrass Creek, The water is expected to be non toxic and suitable for planting fish bj the summer of I960 Northeast Fiahe District Highlighting the fisheries activities of tin- area during the biennium was the construe 28 tion of Beaver Creek Reservoir in Hill County. Completed during late fall of 1959, the reser- voir was filled by April, 1960. Portions of the waters above the reservoir were treated with fish toxicant in order to remove unde- sirable fish before filling the reservoir. Rain- bow trout have been stocked there. Suitable stockwater reservoirs have been managed by the department for trout. These include Miller No. 6, Kuhr-Newhouse, H. C. Kuhr, Riebe, and Ross Reservoirs, all in Blaine County. The latter reservoir has adequate natural reproduction in a small inlet stream. In the other reservoirs, experiments are being conducted in order to determine the most practical method of maintaining trout. Other reservoirs in the area being added to the trout pond program are Riggin-Starch Reser- voir and Cow Camp Pond in northeast Blaine County, Dahl Pond and Cole Gravel Pits in Phillips County, Jens Jenson Reservoir in Daniels County, Tvedt Reservoir in Sheridan County and Tolksdorf and Kuester Reservoir in Richland County. Management of Gartside Reservoir near Sidney has continued successfully. This lake was constructed through the efforts of the Sidney Rod and Gun Club with financial as- sistance from the Montana Fish and Game Department. Several marginal trout streams in the area were surveyed during the biennium. These in- cluded Big Sandy Creek, Eagle Creek, Beaver Creek, Battle Creek, Wolf Creek, and White- tail Creek. Surveys of fish populations were made in Fort Peck Reservoir, Nelson Reservoir, Kil- lenbeck Reservoir, Frenchman Reservoir, and Crandall Reservoir. A study of paddlefish in Fort Peck Reservoir was started and will be continued. Rough fish in several bodies of water were removed by treatment with fish toxicants. These include Beaver Creek and its tributary, Sucker Creek, Cole Gravel Pits in Phillips County, H. C. Kuhr Reservoir in Blaine Coun- ty and Whitetail Reservoir in Daniels County. STATEWIDE PROJECTS Lake and Stream Access Access to fishing waters in Montana is becoming increasingly important each year. During the biennium the Lands Division, work- ing under the direction of the Superintendent of Fisheries, purchased a total of 17 tracts. Four additional tracts were donated. Six of the sites were on lakes, the balance on rivers. Of the sites on rivers, five are over one mile long. Location of sites acquired during the biennium are as follows: RIVERS AND STREAMS Stillwater River 3 tracts West Rosebud River 1 tract Madison River .2 tracts Rock Creek (Red Lodge) 5 tracts Rock Creek (Missoula) 1 tract Flathead River 1 tract Sweetgrass Creek 1 tract Smith River 1 tract LAKES Aarod Lake 1 tract Flathead Lake 1 tract Carpenter Lake 1 tract Crystal Lake 1 tract Broadview Pond 1 tract Sophie Lake 1 tract With these sites, thirty-three are now under department ownership. The objective is to have guaranteed public access with facilities for parking automobiles at strategic points on important lakes and streams. Land already in public ownership is in- corporated into this program wherever pos- sible. Since 1951 a survey of state and federal lands to determine their value as fishing has been in progress. As a result the Bureau of Land Management has been requested to re- tain in public ownership in excess of 100,000 acres and the State Board of Land Commis- sioners has been requested to retain in public ownership over 155,000 acres so that waters bordering these lands will be accessible to the public. 29 - - - - ; : ■ - - 7. \ \ --:.■ - - --. -_-f r.- z----. Z-- - : 7 is of utmost importance in maintaining sport fishing. Dams in the upper reaches of streams and rivers particularly are a threat since they flood out trout spawning areas, destroy valu- able trout stream habitat and substitute ar- tificial impoundments that are difficult and sometimes impossible to manage as a fishery. Negotiations to insure the best possible water conditions for fish in reservoirs and in the rivers below the reservoirs must be car- ried on during the planning stages long before construction starts. Impoundments that will result in excessive damage to fish or game are opposed and consideration requested for less damaging sites. Such negotiations require knowhow and intensive effort. Recommenda- tions for provisions involving reservoir opera- tions and flow releases must be based on adequate field work and careful analyses. A multimillion dollar highway construc- tion program is in progress in Montana. Road construction that results in stream straighten- ing removes the meanders which are so very important in providing cover and resting areas for fish. Population studies on Flint Creek, near Philipsburg, Montana show a 947c reduc- tion in catchable size trout when the stream was straightened during highway construc- tion. During the biennium about 20 plan-in- hand inspections were made with constructing agencies in an effort to minimize this damage. Accumulative effects of dam building, stream straightening, pollution of all kinds (including silt), removing excessive amounts of water from streams for irrigation, stream bank trampling by livestock, and other abuses are reducing trout stream habitat at an alarm- ing rate. Compared to these factors, fishing pressure is a minor cause of the decline of fishing in Montana. Pollution Control The department pollution biologist, work- ing under a cooperative agreement with the State Board of Health, participated in the classification of the Columbia River Drainage. This classification was in relation to water use by aquatic life. Under the same coopera- tive agreement, biological data needed for classification of the Missouri River Drainage has been gathered. These data are now being tabulated and summarized so that classification of this important river drainage can be ac- complished. A comprehensive report on the bacteriological, biological, chemical, and physi- cal aspects of the Columbia River Drainage was written during the biennium. Water chemical sampling is in progress on the primary rivers that form the Missouri River mainstem. This survey, when completed, will give information on present water quality in these important trout streams. This in- formation will be extremely valuable in recog- nizing and evaluating future changes. Three fish - kills were investigated and abatement measures taken by State Board of Health and Fish and Game personnel. Streams likely to receive waste materials harmful to fish and other aquatic life are under close surveillance. In addition, a good deal of the pollution control biologists' time has been spent surveying state waters to determine the effects of industrial and domestic wastes on aquatic life. During the biennium the biological pollu- tion laboratory has been modernized and is now in a position to handle many of the problems concerned with pollution. Effects of Forest Spraying With DDT on Aquatic Life This project was partially conducted in cooperation with the U. S. Forest Service to gather information on the use of DDT aerial sprays which might be used in current spruce budworm control. During this period, investi- gations were continued on areas sprayed dur- ing previous years. They involved a check on the recovery of fish and bottom insects (fish food) in streams where mortalities oc- curred as the result of DDT. A final report "Effects of an Aerial Application of DDT on Fish and Aquatic Insects in Montana" was prepared in cooperation with the U. S. Forest Service. In addition, an intensive study of the ef- fects of DDT was carried out as a graduate research problem at Montana State College. It was supported in part by the Montana Fish and Game Department. This investiga- tion has included a controlled application of DDT to a test stream and bioassay work with trout exposed to and fed insects with various concentrations of DDT. The field work in this 31 study is essentially complete, but final analysis of the data is still in progress. Observations on the forest spraying program will be con- tinued, but will be carried as projects in the individual fishery districts directly concerned. Fisheries Investigation Laboratory During the biennium this project included studies on age and growth of fish, food habits of fish and analyses of samples of stream bot- tom insects. These jobs were done for fish managers and biologists on a statewide basis. Location of the laboratory on the Montana State College campus allows the use of part- time student help to do much of the time- consuming sorting and preparations. Age and growth data are used extensively in forming management plans. During this period over 8,600 scale samples from fish were processed. These data were returned to the fisheries project leaders throughout the state. Age and growth data for rainbow, cutthroat, brown, and brook trout from 51 streams and 37 lakes were tabulated and ranked according to growth rates as a part of an investigation to determine if total dissolved solids of the waters can be used as an aid in classification of Montana's waters into broad productivity types. Stream bottom insects provide much of the trout food and serve as indicators of losses to stream production through pollution. In all. 101 bottom samples from Sheep Creek, Deep Creek and the Boulder River and 205 drift ample from the Bitterroot drainage were sorted and classified mainly in studies to check on the effects of spraying spruce budworm v ill i DDT. About 500 fish stomachs, from ij >. cimen taken in Flinl Creek and the Clark Fork River, ed to detei mine the food habits i : i] fi he In addition to these jobs the laboratory pei onnel provided Liaison with variou pai tm< ni "i Montana state College as well as supp] ing cl a] pre lervatives and sup plii to field i" ' onnel. States i « I « - < Ireel < iensus \ h;ii kinds of H ih and i ught? The succe of Montana's quarter million fishermen is of utmost importance to the Montana Fish and Game Department. This information is ob- tained by creel census. Statewide creel census has been in operation since 1948. Catch in- formation is gathered by wardens, biologists and hatcherymen. and is received from sports- men in Fisherman's Logs and through ques- tionnaires sent to a 10'. sample of fishing license holders. This information is tabulated by electronic machines. It is used by the district fisheries managers in managing the state's waters. More than 60' ! of the fishermen in Mon- tana prefer trout stream fishing to any other type of fishing. Residents fished most in the Flathead River drainage while most non-resi- dents prefer the Madison River drainage. Ang- lers average catch was 4.5 trout and salmon for each day spent fishing. Montana rates with the top trout fishing states if. indeed, it is not the top state. Reservoir Investigations Hydro-electric plants have been built on many of the larger rivers of Western Montana during recent years. The reservoirs created by these projects have provided improved con- ditions for rough fish which have increased rapidly during early years of impoundment. Introductions of fingerling trout have provided good fishing in most reservoirs during early years but as the rough fish become more abundant survival and harvest of game fish declines rapidly. Continued management of reservoirs requires the use of larger hatchery fish and costs soon become prohibitive, Verj little information is available regard- ing the ecology of these large reservoirs construction of a hydro electric plant at Noxon Rapid on the I Hark Foi k River near Noxon, Montana offered an opportunity to gel detailed information regarding the changes that occur m such waters during the early years of Im poundmenl tl also afforded an opportunity to invesl igate management techniques that might be applied to these large bodi< water. During this biennium a long range itudj w •' tai ted on Noxon and other 1 1 The proje< I is financed i with fundi made available bj the Wai hington Water Power Compart} . the a that owns and operates the Noxon Rapids Plant. A pre-impoundment survey indicated that the section of the Clark Fork River to be inundated by the Noxon Rapids Dam con- tained large numbers of squawfish, chubs and suckers. These fish would provide brood stock that would rapidly saturate the new reservoir with undesirable fish. Therefore, in Septem- ber, 1958, toxicants were introduced into this section of the Clark Fork River to reduce rought fish to the lowest possible number. It would have been desirable to eliminate these fish from the entire drainage; however, they are generally distributed throughout the Clark Fork and Flathead drainages and chemical re- habilitation on that scale could not be under- taken. Data collected after treatment and dur- ing the 1959 season indicate that mature rough fish were reduced to a very low level and that reproduction, especially by squawfish and chubs, was relatively low during the first year of impoundment. Fingerling rainbow trout planted in September, 1958 showed good sur- vival and growth rates and were providing excellent fishing one year later. Annual plants of fingerling rainbow have been made since 1958. Continued study on this reservoir will indicate the value of partial rehabilitation in extending the period of good fishing in large reservoirs. Information is also being gathered from Cabinet Gorge Reservoir on the Clark Fork River and from Hungry Horse Reservoir on the South Fork of the Flathead River. These reservoirs are approximately the same age but represent different habitat types that are reflected in their fish populations. All game species combined made up less than 10 per cent of the population prior to recent intro- ductions of hatchery fish. Hungry Horse sup- ports many Dolly Varden, cutthroat trout and mountain whitefish, all of which are main- tained through natural reproduction. There is some indication that rough fish may still be increasing in Hungry Horse Reservoir so the ratio of game to rough fish may change in the future. Several more hydro-electric or multi-pur- pose projects have been proposed on rivers of this area. The information gained from this study will be used in management of existing reservoirs and will also be useful in formulat- ing management plans for future hydro-electric or multi-purpose projects in Western Montana. Test Stream A test area on Flint Creek in Granite County, Montana has been used continuously since 1954 to study certain aspects of trout survival. In 1958, tests were concluded. It was learned that the ability of hatchery rain- bow trout to survive correlated directly with quality of diet fed at the hatchery. This has been the most important factor affecting survival of catchable-sized hatchery trout in Flint Creek. Competition with resident wild trout for food and space has also had a limit- ing effect on hatchery trout survival. Typically about two-thirds of the catchable wild trout survive for a one-year period while about one- half of the planted hatchery trout survive the same period. In 1959, a comparison of survival of Lewis- town and Bluewater hatchery trout was com- pleted. Despite vastly different mineral quali- ties of water at these two hatcheries, there was virtually no difference in survival of their trout. Presently, measurements of the natural pro- duction of catchable-size wild trout without hatchery plantings are nearly complete. This and other information from the Flint Creek studies will point the way to better regulation of trout harvests and more efficient use of the expensive catchable-size hatchery fish. Hatchery Biologist Activities A detailed analysis of the cost of rearing and planting hatchery trout was completed during the biennium. The report appeared in the April, 1960 Progressive Fish - Culturist (published by U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service I. It particularly concerned cost in relation to size of fish. Total costs ranged from only 3 lOths cent per fish for one-inch fry up to 64 cents per fish for ten-inch trout. "Produc- tion costs" which include only those hatchery expenditures directly concerned with feeding and handling the fish were about one-hall' of total costs and compared very favorably with cost data released from other states and Fed- eral hatcheries. Fish managers are finding this cost data useful in determining the most eco- 33 nomical management measures to use wherever hatchery fish are involved. A lake stocking table was assembled on the basis of published factual information on trout survival and harvests and on the basis of information and experience of fishery work- ers in Montana. The table was accepted as Department policy by the Commission. It will assure that all lakes are managed according to the best biological information available and will also assure equitable distribution of hatch- ery fish to deserving areas. The hatchery biologist assisted with a ten day in-service training school for mountain lake survey crews. The school was conducted at Montana State College under the direct supervision of Dr. C. J. D. Brown. Such crews will work to obtain the biological information needed in management of the back-country sport fishery. A new bacterial disease of yellow perch was discovered in Dailey Lake near Living- ston, Montana. The disease does not affect other fish species and this may explain why perch have not overpopulated Dailey Lake. Investigation of this disease will be continued along with other studies of wild and hatchery trout disease and nutrition. THE MONTANA FISH HATCHERY SYSTEM Montana's modern fish hatchery system plays a major role in the maintenance of sport fishing throughout the state's vast water re sources. In addition to augmenting wild num- bers of fish, many new impoundments and rehabilitated waters have been stocked and ,i ■ producing sporl fi hing I !ontinued expan- ion of hatche] j facilities, increased efJ Lciency of operation, and employmenl of modern-day techniques have made Montana's hatchery sys- tem equal to thai of any other state. The Commi ion fee] thai the Pishing public can ed ty i ontinuing the pre en1 propa on proj ram and directing the outpul to those areas thai are mo le to fisher- During the pasl biennium, expanded facili ties al the I iev i tow n I fatchei j were com pleted and pul into operation. The thirty addi 11 be ii '-'i pi ini.ii ii- in the production of the large numbers of small fish required for restocking rehabilitated waters. Also, where fish are needed in future man- agement of trout waters throughout the State. they can be economically supplied by the Lew istown Hatchery. Improvements were also made at other state fish hatcheries. New foundations were completed and new windows installed in the main hatchery building at Anaconda, i lines for the water supplies at both Great Falls and Libby were replaced. Dirt ponds at Bluewater and Big Timber were converted to concrete. The increase in hatchery operations has been accompanied by additional hatchery ad- ministrative problems. The appointment of a Superintendent of Hatcheries has resulted in improved supervision and more efficient opera- tion of the hatchery system. State hatcheries have made considerable progress in the use of dry pelleted fish foods. Pelleted food provides a nearly complete trout diet and can be obtained economically from commercial manufacturers at desired specifica- tions. The cost of the dry food is less than that of meat products and the problem of storage and refrigeration has been greatly re- duced. The conversion factor (the number of pounds of feed required to produce a pound of fish i of the pellet diet is actually better than that of a meat diet. Recently, ten new fish-transportation tanks were purchased. These tanks feature new developments in design an elliptical shape which tends to reduce the area where fish can congregate and smother from lack of oxy- gen, and a two-inch covering of styra-foam insulation to assure constant temperature con- trol, thus eliminating the need for refrigeration 01 icing en route. The old, out moded system of water recir- culation bj mean-, of casolme motor driven pumps has been replaced by administering i ii directlj into the water. Bottled oxj gen is forced through a haul carbon rod four inches in diameter Located in the fish tran tation lank. The carbon rod diffuses the OXJ gen into the water in small microscopic parti cles. This oxygen system is much less subjecl to mechanical failure than the old n ■ driven pumps. 34 To economically utilize hatchery space and to increase capacities, a system of culturing trout eggs in three-gallon jars has been intro- duced. This method of hatching trout is es- pecially desirable at those stations with large numbers of raceways. Young trout fry can be cared for in the jars until they are liberated into rearing ponds. New fiber-glass hatchery troughs were de- signed and constructed to replace the old red- wood troughs that had been in use over the past quarter-century. The new troughs have paint pigment imbedded in the fiber-glass, thus lessening continual maintenance. The new troughs are easier to keep clean and sanitary. There are two sources of fish eggs; wild stock, or spawn gathered from fish reared under natural conditions in lakes; and domestic stock, or spawn taken from adult fish retained at the hatchery. Often fish produced from wild stock are more difficult to rear in the hatchery, are more susceptible to disease, and grow more slowly. A constant supply of eggs from wild stock cannot always be assured, and often there is adverse public sentiment and conflict where spawning stations are located. There are situations where wild stock is de- sirable, and at present, spawning stations for wild rainbow trout are maintained at Lake Mary Ronan, Bitterroot Lake, and Willow Creek Reservoir; wild cutthroat trout eggs are obtained from Ashley Lake and Georgetown Lake; and wild grayling eggs from Rogers Lake and Agnes Lake. Eggs are obtained from kokanee seined from Flathead Lake, and wall- eye and northern pike eggs are obtained from fish in Nelson Reservoir. Domestic brood stock is maintained at hatcheries to produce fish that have been im- proved through selective breeding. Such fish grow faster, have early sexual maturity, in- creased individual egg production, and resist- ance to disease. That this program is possible is clearly demonstrated at the Arlee Hatchery where a selective breeding program with hatch- ery brood stock has been carried out over the past several years. At Arlee and Hamilton fall-spawning rainbow trout, California gold- en trout, and west-slope cutthroat trout are being developed as hatchery brood stock. Plans are presently being formulated to expand this program to include spring-spawning rainbow trout and Yellowstone cutthroat trout, thereby making the hatchery system less dependent on outside egg sources. With the hatchery brood stock program established there will be a con- stant supply of eggs available from pure strains of fish that can be identified by tagging or marking, and adverse public sentiment to wild stock spawn-taking stations will be reduced. EGG PRODUCTION January 1 - December 31, 1958 Rainbow 7,004,112 Cutthroat - 4,139,292 Grayling 743,892 Kokanee 8,126,774 Walleye Pike ...... 1,320,000 Northern Pike .... 832,700 TOTALS 22,166,770 9,818,111 3,501,568 1,241,453 4,643,104 1,410,000 590,000 21.204,236 35 FISH PLANTED in STAIE AM) FEDERAL HATCHERIES IN MOM ANA Jan. 1 - Dec. 31. 1958 Jan. 1 - Dec. 31. 1959 Species Size Number Pounds Number Pounds Rainbow Trout - Eggs 5,396 2 Fry 177.188 419 1 704.449 1,168 1.041.331 " 2.755 ' 4,396.279 14.306 2,797,983 10.062 3 335.851 3,057 1.427.858 13.226 4 199.609 4,805 260,839 7,825 5 283.649 15,763 538.811 27,275 6 160,108 19.520 242,375 32.441 Legal 1,650.614 399,991 1.628.599 370.929 Adult 2,266 2,725 1.780 1.575 Cutthroat Trout Eggs 162.400 35 Fry 144,960 30 106.008 22 1 1,622,133 553 3,103,920 1.271 2 776,662 1,434 682.775 1.517 3 148.889 2,550 360.659 2.896 4 140,660 2,531 69.702 1.655 5 58.607 2,610 135.34(1 5.510 6 59,230 5,185 74.530 6.179 Legal 8.621 2,375 28,026 Adult 2.795 2,882 1,235 3.211 Dolly Varden .. 5 14.410 895 Eastern Brook .. 2 33,213 169 3 9,900 150 4 34,564 794 5 68.186 2.574 Golden Trout .... 1 29.000 25 Sockeye Salmon Fry 1,259.399 315 1 31.931 8 Grayling Eggs 25.000 1 630.554 31 Fry 30,000 2 6 139 31 Bass 1 3 7.000 59.640 88 742 4 800 32 Golden Trout ... 1 575 •> 6 L.874 122 Sockeye Salmon Fry 1 674,540 1.022.555 L83 293 2 20,000 8 Adult 216 45 6 9,280 580 Sunt b li 1 576.00(1 172 2 13,! 160 3,500 L8 i • w.i li.- e Fry 988,200 22 2.111.(100 L08 Northern Pike Fry , it; 000 35 380,000 L8 A.lult 10 i I B73 904 483,806 i .. 189 ".'i "... 17.479.219 499,255 1,050 4987205 36 OC^OCOONNXNOiNNOlO-. IN. -D- •h o o ^i n h -t u-, ^ o t x ^ i- a o\ « <-< O vo O «*5 "1 vo o4 H SO s ^1 ^1 CM CM N M In. : (N : n^- -i ") N -h _ n to w io :oo :tN U II ro ; tx : oo o n a >*) vo n 'ONvO-'-t't-l-OOO SI 00 CN] ■+ "3 N r»3 00 \0 VO 00 G\ "3~ 00' ""> <-H tsf — " M S oc iX m ". -t "I ^ ir, a W O WiONOONOONON 2 '5 ^ "t, to ^. 5 r" K - 1' — i in ro 00 ^h" c l-p 9. rt C 1 b — c ) c- C <= c =8 c c .£ pq M m U U U Q 0 — UJH15 S3 rt "o 2 -"3 "E "° rt S — -r L a £ s § 37 .2 S c a SE K 2 /. a° K o bt 2(5 - Z — s c WH u 2 «<- PQ /. «.s W i J3 C w ~ 2£ K W /. .2 c iz §2 ,r . - i - - C O "1 <»5 «S "-. ": -r — "-. - -1 - r "". — ~i ~1 Z HinaNoooiONCB "■■ ,r- _ is ,f- ~". is a — — s. -r "i -r n k ir, r 3 •5 S K .7 ? "N c c ~-. ^1 18*S X ~l Z ~i C Is* re -r "-. -I re is oc C r re re p<*3Q0\tx"lts re 38 a — ~i -t ><-• "-. ; tK in if, r r» i ~i tvj r^ ~j ^i „ ,^ _ _ IS ~i X a 3 ~| ^ C • '. E re "-. Is rg r*5 to © — -1 ~i N -r — ' ts" r u ' a a £ X re NO' > 38 s ° go s f. DO H « U H §Q fc 2 g *t> 0 S * u ™ O * £ >* m PQ 4> r. li W 1° - O M -"" 23 en H «*2 f. a 2 u 13 r^ C"5 IC Is- ^ "i-a 13 E 1 1 So 1) so *s — i co 00 — c C t-i 00 m OOOmO C vc -t - ?r-C*OMnM0bTf in in N "-, k -t cm m OC P. o -t CC CC IN - ^1 (N X CO -i- oc N ir, r- (J, Ol ri h h ,n ro ir, O -t O >r' N » -t f^, -t CO + Is K ^1 -t C?, CO l\ ir, CN co co m ^h N N ir, VO -*• » O ^ X T-fOvCMCNJfNT-jCNlOO CO ^h CTs co ^ tM vo t-h vo --. : 00 ^ (s k -, co : in ^ O N VO N O t?. C O m C N O CV) ir, tx ^ — C^J vo m (vj m ro 00 ^ ^ „ ^o oj CN ON O VO -- ~ (N~^h HHTf NO -+ CO 00 m vo t-i tn in O m -r ~ r ~ i O "-. O m co 00 00 ~" r - O i Co -r co co o vo x 'o N O -t ^ -t K C. O ^ ^' : * jc oo in j In In "C 00 tc, \£) 38 CM CN) CO 00 CO VO •+ In vo _i it, co vo in co c-i Q en CM in -+ co -+ -|- o CM CO In O in In -1- co Ov CfiOHrtONt-iQ^N-tCt ON O vC o -I- — In m -r m — CM cnj vo V0 in In In -t O ~t vo CO ON vo VO In in 00 In tN 00 co vq co — •_ >n o> ON ON X --_ V0_ -h t-<_ VO c i fh i-I ,_<" cm' on . — ^ o t c i -t- -r* t-I x* c i t-I •+' ccj od t-I -t- r> i — ' u o 1.' _3 _ lA .'.. r J joQCJCirthEij ■• .". A ~ — — . -- ~: g»»a s ? c i i; u -a a U — - rt U -j — 39 — H PQ Z 3 S E 0 ^<3 O -J U >* Zffl CQ 3 &"° r. a g« 3 2 en U --£ K.E w c-S en |E w u 2! E 2 e! CN j£ Ifl 9 g E "" 1® % 5 2£ 2 Z "-£ ■=■ - 1' 2 fe - £ "-. * n"C "-. t — -? X "". "". 135 "-. X — — J — I z — — — — c Be m c r hk^ — ' 00 -r' CI — ' "5 •"■. — — OKU1N ir. (^ ^ ir. ~i M ■/-. r*> — ad ~i z' — ' /. IN. S l In ~1 DC « — ~> In — X X K •J In — 00 -r ~! "-. — !>. x 2 $ S 5 1/5 (N — n O -t f! -t - C "", o CO r -7. 3 -~ 5 - 1 2 -r, : Si _ r N N "". - "■• Q -r C i^ — "i x ~ "• x - 1 i/i "•. 3 — ■ <-. (*: -r 5\ Q S? o ,r- "• i X C ir- "• "' ""- f*: C "T ""• "": "r 00 t ""■. X — DO I i *t — i - — i ■ 3 ~: — — "•. - i ' ■ • - i " i i^ !•"-. — "-. — . _• ~i _' ~t — N N -f — N — N — ' rvj — ~i ~i -r' — i^" 5 ■ J3 r^ -s s « r u rt r :•_ ■O B •111 K a N ^ M OO ^ CM ^ CM © "-o 00 "1 IX NO in 00 rr> O IX ON ^h Tj- ft Oi to O. CH 'O Tt —< ro to O CM ON O C\ 00 ro On O CM 00 tx oo" oo" r-T vo o t-» rx ~* NO O0 00 CM CM O O CO C\ CM Tf « CO H * a s < o tOCM^Hto-HtxtovocM Oj^HCjQO-^-r-lOOON rOtxCMOCMmixOOr-H NO 00 On to ON CM — r t>T .-" 00 ^h ro tx to on O CM vo ro vo" t-C to h 00 h N On O © to NO to •t -t Ov co « i- ^1- ^ IX ro CM CM S £ s ^H tx CO vo NO tx — O0 ^ O O" re* — " <\j """! "? ° VO CM en CM o8 O ■g buo c c -a -a 5i 2; ^ b < g W Q "^ O "£ i i m a. a a m m in in — 41 — w w w ^ ^ p h ••' _- o — - >> . X S H - 1 - '/. ~i - _' o X " ■ i - _,- o si -~ ± "~ — & c' S « " H r- — rt — „■ o h c« _ ffl >> . - a| u - <; « - - t- S < - = IX 2 2 Q s s « ^ < ^ w K 00 °* ~ a -~ 2 - r 7 :c ~ o - •^ it ON z 0 H u u ►J o o >. < < - Z s 2 < 2 ~ „- o" si -a S 4 R = 5: 7 t'u -r" r DC i i ^ - 1 r - 3 so oq c ad k r so ;2 r '-" "■ - — gS? £ 8? 88 R*S 58 fc a ~x, 8 5 z 3 S 8 3 2 i C -I X X i^ "-. I ^ I s - - 1 — C 7 7 "I "". t< ~sl DO r»5 "-. -f -r r»i -r' r o C\ oc "- — "". DC 7 "". 7 >r. DfO« C 7 «■ "". -T 7 C — 3 = - 7 c r so n n ""• — 77 77 — 7 ~] 7 7 - 1 j i ^ - i •/. d i.> p '/.• '_■• ~ - ; - 7 1,— 7 7 X r ->. S O "-. i^ -x — k "-. i^ 7 7 oc "•. i^ r — 7.' ~i ~i 00 Is 00 Z 7 I . 7 7 7 7. — X '•-. 7 ~' -t is 7' -r -r . -7. moo. r*5 — ' is u 7' N "i X -'•' 7' "-. -r 7 ; ". — '•lis. — Is — £> t< pg 7 SI — ". Is I 12 < H fa „ fa en " w OS a H fa ts-t- UJ 00 Is r^: d x: «i tN -t -t rt }g Q no -i" on ~2 ""- fM -i- — a 2 2 x r cm r ON tN. i (N ON 3 ON 00 co 00 NO E CM is.' N." X N. X CM NO CN ^3 00 £ U") K CO NO co S ^ Sfe |S CM no © S3 ON X co )N 0. X r NO o 3 CM 00 ss CO co CM X co NO S" 1 CN] Tf-" R ON CM' w- u-, CO co CO ON CN Z g CM 5 K ?,S 15 ro co CN d '| £ x' '-^ ■*> '-+ 9 ^ S*|" § CM o O £ s Si °" 5Q2" w- o, 5 00 CM NO in o ON CM in NO in. tN 8! O -H tN. CN) ll CM 00 co /- CSJ re 8 00 NO r ON CO CO co ^O CO ro k' s tN §; CO- ON ro" O o" CM O ~ ^CNOOO--O0coo 00 tN. ON ""; O ON r O X -t K C "t -t d K 0\ \b ir, M ^ 4 ^1 X O -t in « O N't O " "• In -t i-H l< I< ON CM' CM' X' -f ON tOOO(Ni?(3\MH CM — i CM -T ^- — rt 5 —'='£■ t! o v ~ % S ti, h=, < (/5 O !2 Q h2.b — 43 — IN 00 O 00 Q co CM n NO NO LO 1 fO fO IN N -t NO NO CO NO O q on no ^ Tf rt o cm" 00 00 tC ts o On CO O CO cm co o m on CO tCNtO i< yj ~ CN CN ^ N0_ lo u-i 516, 656, 761, 897. 654. «n? on" In.' CM CN) co In m CN 00 O NO no tN co 00 n Q CO -1- NO X CM a )N C 00 CM 00 c fl- 00 & 2 00 q < o o U w Pi Ol q a' ^ 2 ^ oo K 2 O «^ 00 s W q 00 < Ol cn3 NO CM ft ^) On -|- 3 o Ol g" oo in NO u Vr 1 CM o o d ^ ;_• .„• c a a < < £< -1 c^ 3 " .2 ^ "d rt C <; |S s§ 0 & "o X uz U W 8l4; ^h CM' NO tN cm' co c 1^ So ^i^8 I MONTANA FISH AM) GAME DEPARTMENT STATEMENT OF INCOME MAY 1, 1958- APRIL 30, 1959 Hunting and Fishing Licenses: Resident Bird & Fish ............... 187,949 Resident Big Game 121,019 Non-Resident 6-Day Fishing Non-Resident Fishing 5,85! ' Non-Resident Bird 31 >' ' Non-Resident Big Game. 3,923 Shipping Permits 6,352 Certificates of Identification 2,278 Bow and Arrow 2,413 Fur Shipping Permits 235 Non-Resident Deer 7,533 Mountain Goat 1,398 Moose 572 Mountain Sheep 302 Less Dealers' Fees.... 1956 Account Paid.... 1957 Accounts Paid.. $ 3.00 3.00 (3 3.00 ,, 10.00 <„ 25.00 Ca 100.00 @ .60 ® .50 ® 2.00 @ .60 (u 20.00 @ 5.00 &, 25.00 ® 15.00 iting & Fishing License Sales.. Total fncome from I h: Miscellaneous Sales: Genera] Trappers I .ami ( >wner Trappers Beavei Tags 16,606 Beaver Permits Outfitters ni I'm I i. alei Taxidermists I'n I >ealer Agenl Non-Resident Fur Dealer .Minnow Seining ' >XI i <„ 10.00 162 Ca 1.00 ,606 Ca .50 179 (S 5.00 399 (5 10.00 28 ® to.oo 24 ® 15.00 22 <„ 10.00 8 @ 50.00 12 ® 1 is<. irllan eous Revenue: I ..mi cated Fi ii . ' Ither R oi Land Tiber I lam ij Land < anyon I i Sale oi I' i h Eggs From Bond Rough Fish Fl Peck Laki S Fui ty on Livi Bea> er Sold on I in' i.'- Federal Reimb ,. b) Federal Reimbui O DEPARTM1 .i FO $ 563.847.00 122 58,590.00 7,725.00 392,300.00 3,81120 1,139.00 141.00 1 50.660.00 6,990.00 4,530.00 $1,694,715.20 . —37.0S3.30 162.00 2,395.00 3,990.00 400.00 34,644 18,326 4,680 1 ,872 10,080 1 1 Js< i 983 202, i u.\\ i. 1958 \pkii 631 90 8.404.00 86.358 II 11 MONTANA FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT STATEMENT OF INCOME MAY 1, 1959 -APRIL 30, 1960 Hunting and Fishing Licenses: Resident Bird & Fish 185, Resident Bis? Game 118, Non-Resident Limited Fishing 40, Non-Resident Fishing 5, Non-Resident Bird Non-Resident Big Game 4, Shipping Permits 6, Certificates of Identification 2, Bow and Arrow 2. Fur Shipping Permits Non-Resident Deer 9, Non-Resident Antelope 1, Mountain Goat 1, Mountain Sheep Moose Turkey Boat Applications 6 Boat Cert, of Identification Less Dealers' Fees 1958 Accounts Paid Total Income from Hunting & Fishing License Ss ,727 (53 $ 3.00 .,649 (a). 3.00 ',522 (a), 3.00 .801 (a) 10.00 333 (a) 25.00 ,088 (a) 100.00 .,806 (5) .60 U08 &. .50 !,753 (a) 2.00 158 Cd> .60 '.291 ® 20.00 ,237 (a) 20.00 ,203 (a) 5.00 327 (a) 15.00 505 (5) 25.00 814 (a), 2.00 i,895 (a). 3.00 29 (5) .50 Miscellaneous Sales: General Trappers Land Owner Trappers Beaver Tags 13,309 Beaver Permits Outfitters Resident Fur Dealer Taxidermist Fur Dealer Agent Non-Resident Fur Dealer Minnow Seining Permits 898 (a), 10.00 151 (a) 1.00 ,309 (a) .50 404 (a). 5.00 284 ® 10.00 33 m 10.00 13 (a). 15.00 22 (a). 10.00 5 (a). 50.00 6 m 10.00 Miscellaneous Revenue: Fines Sale of Confiscated Fish & Meats Other Revenue Lease of Land — Tiber Dam Lease of Land — Canyon Ferry Sale of Fish Eggs Interest — Bond Investment Rough Fish — Ft. Peck Lake Sale of Confiscated Hides Royalty on Live Beaver Sold -Allan Foundation Pittman-Robertson Income by Federal Reimbursement Dingell-Johnson Income by Federal Reimbursement TOTAL INCOME TO DEPARTMENT FOR PERIC $ 557,181.00 355,947.00 121.566.00 58,010.00 8,325.00 408,800.00 4,083.60 1.054.00 5,506.00 94.80 185,820.00 24,740.00 6,015.00 4,905.00 12,625.00 1,628.00 20,685.00 14.50 $1,776,999.90 . —56,031.60 8,980.00 151.00 6,654.50 2,020.00 2,840.00 330.00 195.00 220.00 250.00 60.00 38.453.57 1,064.01 20,850.85 4.431.51 708.95 240.00 3.750.00 648.56 44.00 4.00 685.60 ) MAN' 1. 1959 APRIL 30, 1960. $1,720,968.30 4,777.00 $1,725,745.30 21,700.50 71,781.05 $1,810,226.85 529,631.21 103.057.07 $2.451. Ending April 30, L959 ami April 30. 1W>0 April April 1959 1960 (i i.MMISSK INERS Per Diem . $ 3,94 > < Iperation 6.822.S4 TOTAL - $ 11,203.77 ADMINISTRATION Salaries ? 119,996.84 $ 125,554.30 Operation 41,932.20 Capital Expenditure 512.85 1.309.31 Repair & Replacement 1.171.41 TOTAL $ 163.613.30 $174 MISCELLANEi >US \< I « >UNTS Printing 1 .icenses Maps $ 34,205.36 1,125.40 1.018.40 6,772.82 5.494.70 1,033.46 2,45229 1,5 13.23 2.150.18 • ■ 540.55 765 59 1,462.88 Miles Cit) ( roose Pasture 51 10.2] 8.103.11 ■ ii Trapper 8.985.82 1,916 is 2 i i 28 i lame 1 )amage l ransplanting (other than P.R. i li ting (other than P.R.) ■ Stations (other than P.R.) Indian Affairs Bui ' ra olini and 1 HI V i ounl 5,295.72 917 19 3,274 i" 378.1 1 2.090.31 7*7 31 1 s 79.305.48 • 2,093 1-' 1,060.23 31 17.03 iTAl $ 104.936.40 I ' IRM \Tln\ AND EDI CATK >N Sala $ 30,869.10 ition 21,375.1* ■ nditun 12,991 1,471 15 Repaii and Replacemenl .... 294 21 I'M \ I D 16 i i Mil DETAIL OF EXPENDITURES— (Continued) April April 1959 1960 HUNTER AND BOAT SAFETY PROGRAM Salaries $ 9,102.03 S 12.009.85 Operation X. 1 50.83 9.002.09 Capital Expenditure 377.04 366.91 Repair and Replacement 5.95 10.17 TOTAL $ 17.635.85 $ 21,389.02 DISTRICT 2 INFORMATK >X & EDUCATION PROGRAM Salaries $ 5.682.42 Operation 2,808.65 Capital Expenditure 512.43 Repair and Replacement 50.00 TOTAL $ 9.053.50 DISTRICT 4 INFORMATION & EDUCATION PROGRAM Salaries $ 7.803.46 $ 7.104.33 Operation 3.065.62 4,431.62 Capital Expenditure 151.04 185.45 Repair and Replacement 2.10 79.00 TOTAL $ 11.022.22 $ 11.800.40 DISTRICT 5 INFORMATION & EDUCATION PROGRAM Salaries $ 6.238.21 Operation 3,603.70 Capital Expenditure 393.77 Repair and Replacement 63.84 TOTAL $ 10,299.52 DISTRICT 6 INFORMATION & EDUCATION PROGRAM Salaries $ 5.743.' >"> Operation 3.467.62 Capital Expenditure 218.78* Repair and Replacement 50.00 TOTAL $ 9,042.83 APPROPRIATIONS .Montana State University $ 9,500.00 $ 9,500.00 Montana State College (».400.00 9,400.00 Superintendent of Public Instruction 7,805.76 TOTAL $ 26.705.76 $ 18.900.00 TOTAL INFORMATION & EDUCATION $ 120,893.99 $ 150,881.20 DISTRICT [HEADQUARTERS ACCOUNT ' >peration $ 7,016 62 ( apital Expenditures 1 ,350.83 Repair and Replacement 3,205.25 Credit lor Rental 16.712.00* TOTAI s 5,139.30* Indicates Credit — 47 — DETAIL OF EXPENDITURES— (Continued) April 1960 PREDATOR CONTRi 'I Grant $ 41.050.60 Mountain Lion Bounties Bobcat Bounties Magpie and Crow Bounties 612.80 TOTAL $ 48,35; UNIVERSITY RESEARCH UNIT Salaries $ 11,198.02 Operation 3,071.65 Capital Expenditure 534.95 Repair and Replacement 297.98 TOTAL .... $_ 25.102.60 AIRPLANE ACCOUNT Salaries $ 318.90 Operation 13,601 26 Capital Expenditure 1 1 ,785 86 Repair and Replacement 11,5 12.3 1 ♦Credit for Airplane Rental - 23.673.00* TOTAL $ 13.575 73 VEHICLE ACCOUNT Salaries Operation 97,012.74 Capital Expenditure 13,374.24 Repair and Replai ement 51,896.29 ♦Credit for Vehicle Rental 227 > TOTAL $ 65.204.12 OVERSNOW VEHICLE ACCOUNT Salaries I ;1 •;<" ' Iperation 1-84 i apital Expenditure 5,539 36 Ri pan and Replacement l redil for Vehicle Rental - ■ roi m. - • - $ 4.410.48 - $ 14,016.75 12,272.94 21,504.80* $ > 23 45 4.766.94 $ $ 15.80 51 26 ■ i Districl No 1 Salaries ( Iperation i Capital I i" ti n ai 10.793 70 13.01684 912 ii 1.024.35 339.65 [rid,, ,.. DETAIL OF EXPENDITURES— (Continued) April April 1959 1960 :NFORCEMENT — District No. 2 Salaries $ 38,931.97 Operation 26,760.35 Capital Expenditure 2,308.40 Repair and Replacement 1,639.36 TOTAL $ 69,640.08 ENFORCEMENT — District No. 3 Salaries $ 57,909.20 Operation 36,005.05 Capital Expenditure 1,738.87 Repair and Replacement 768.15 TOTAL $ 96,421.27 ENFORCEMENT — District No. 4 Salaries $ 53,195.48 Operation 29,139.74 Capital Expenditure 1,158.18 Repair and Replacement 318.89 TOTAL $ 83,812.29 ENFORCEMENT — District No. 5 Salaries $ 42,317.22 Operation 22,664.70 Capital Expenditure 29,894.03 Repair and Replacement 360.03 TOTAL $ 95,235.98 ENFORCEMENT — District No. 6 Salaries $ 26.775.52 Operation 18,258.12 ( lapital Expenditure 46.26 Repair and Replacement 127.67 TOTAL ... $ 45,207.57 ENFORCEMENT — District No. 7 Salaries - $ 24,663.41 Operation 17.802.75 Capital Expenditure 326.49 Repair and Replacement 399.76 TOTAL $ 43.192.41 49 $ 42.S21.5S 25,663.35 702.26 376.81 $ 69,614.00 $ 54.052.53 33.874.71 2,881.28 570.00 $ 91,378.52 $ 51,267.11 31,468.55 463.30 87.89 s K3.2So.K5 $ 40,672.94 22.22252 995.98 147.67 $ 64,039.11 $ 29,380.29 21,204.97 344.21 47.81 ? 50,977.28 $ 26,691.89 18,185.28 367.39 86.74 $ 15.331.30 DETAIL OF EXPENDITURES — (Continued) April 19S9 April 1960 ENF< (RCEMENT — General Salaries s Operation 6,602.83 ( lapital Expenditure 1 5.66 Repair and Replacement 30.97 TOTAL $ 8.056.62 TOTAL ENFORCEMENT $ 507,313.55 $ 1,993.14 13.112.78 16.06 45.54 $ y S 4Sii.525.13 FISHERIES DIVISION: FISH HATCHERIES ANAO »NDA Salaries ' >perati< m < 'apital Expenditui Repair and Replac T< ITAL 18,935.67 18,423.33 350.98 3,370.86 $ 41,080.84 18.756.72 71.40 10.917.18 Salaries < (peration Capital Expenditure Repair and Replai emenl I l IT \l 15.283.69 11,871.55 60.03 1.960.68 29.175.95 15.341 37 12.559.42 5. 'Toll $ 34.153.78 BLUEWATER Salai ii ■ 1 ipi i. [i ii m ( lapital I ■■ pi nditure l 'i pair and Replai emenl T( n AL 18.253.79 17,571.87 199.3g 1,798.33 38,123.37 19.736.08 560.84 5.183.26 BIl i l EMBER : ri. ition i ipital Expendil and Repla I l >\ \l. ,774.03 .sir "j 118.25 ■ ■ 7 1 < 15 EMIGF \\T Salaries ' Ipi ration i apital I R, p|a( i I'd \1. 6.040.02 37 1" I0.o6«).*> U > :.o DETAIL OF EXPENDITURES— (Continued) April April 1959 1960 GREAT FALLS Salaries $ 18,411.30 $ 17,992.66 Operation 12,211.25 9,695.20 Capital Expenditure 161.58 118.70 Repair and Replacement - 1,011.00 16,820.04 TOTAL $ 31,795.13 44,626.60 HAMILTON Salaries $ 1 1,661.62 Operation 4.057.47 Capital Expenditure 29.99 Repair and Replacement 282.11 TOTAL $ 16,031.19 LEWISTOWN Salaries $ 27,920.44 Operation 24,835.52 Capital Expenditure 36.518.90 Repair and Replacement 33,568.03 TOTAL $ 122,842.89 LIBBY Salaries $ 1 1,503.21 Operation 5,559.61 Capital Expenditure 120.71 Repair and Replacement 343.88 TOTAL $ 17.527.41 McXElL Salaries $ 2.652.70 Operation 1,826.43 Capital Expenditure 75.56 Repair and Replacement 253.61 TOTAL $ 4,808.30 OVANDO TOTAL $ 294.27 ['( iLS( >N Salaries $ 3.385.50 Operation - - 1,17344 Capital Expenditure X.yJ'1 Repair and Replacemenl 115.58 TOTAL .... $ 4,758.01 — 51 — $ 11,819.49 4,837.32 18.44 3,414.27 $ 20,089.52 $ 32,763.19 31,875.58 78,763.99 5,925.84 $ 149,328.60 $ 11.268.85 5.661.06 74.61 1,100.31 s 18,104.83 $ 2,957.23 2,363.77 266.66 235.33 $ 5.822.00 Operation $ '4.27 59.15 Repair and Replacement 230.00 $ 59.15 $ 3,183.32 1.253.83 42.40 88.16 $ 4,567.71 DETAIL OF EXPENDITURES — (Continued) April 1959 Salaries ' Iperation Capital Expenditure Repair and Replacement TOTAL 11,963.22 4,524.73 405.80 692.53 17,586.28 $ 11,8 193.22* 37". 1" $ 18,193.45 FISHERIES GENERAL (Include! biologists & supt. oi hatcheries) istribution, hatchery Salaries 1 iperation Capital Expenditure Repair and Replacement I M| \], 13.260.68 $ 15,615.42 16,285.74 19.454.84 2,613.48 1,265.68 $ 33.425.58 SPAWNING STATIONS Salaries ' Iperation ( )apital Expenditure Ri pair and Replacement TOTA] l._'71._"' - 6,232.15 8.105.62 470.17 202.15 350.78 345.04 $ 18,324.39 26,493 27 CREDIT F< IR FISH PLANTED I Washington Water Power) Noxon Rapids ( abinel < forge n n ■! i redii 1 1,887.06 252.66 i i D] RAL HATI II ERIES CRESTON Salaries I »pi i ,,i ion lital i penditure Ri pair and Replacemenl T( n \i. $ 3,555.93 5! ' 72 "1 10 s 2.106.91 1.980.11 n ( apital 1 i" nditun Repair and Ri plai i mi nl I mi \| 1.640.31 139.82 5,091 "l [ndicati I redi 52 DETAIL OF EXPENDITURES — (Continued) MILES CITY Salaries Operation TOTAL FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PROJECTS MISCELLANEOUS FIELD PROJECTS Salaries Operation Capital Expenditure Repair and Replacement April 1959 April 1960 $ 3,893.40 574.10 $ $ 552.90 s 1.467. 5n 552.00 55.023.14 $ 64,056.88 34,815.13 73,500.72 30,058.74 139,280.21 888.70 381.08 TOTAL $ 7,191.61 $ 111.29 FORT PECK Salaries .... $ 17,810.40 $ 12,513.35 Operation 12.666.07 10,299.42 Capital Expenditure 8.45 232.33 Repair and Replacement 6,348.42 2,136.66 TOTAL .. $ 36.833.34 $ 25,181.76 WARM SPRINGS Salaries $ 16,638.33 15,109.87 Operation 10,630.43 11,158.60 Capital Expenditure 6.98 196.83 Repair and Replacement 5,698.13 1,568.64 $ 7,191.61 $ 17,810.40 12,666.07 8.45 6,348.42 s 3(,.S3.v3l $ 16,638.33 10,630.43 6.98 5,698.13 s 32.073.*; TOTAL .... $ 120.785.80 $ 277,218.1 DINGELL-JOHNSON PROJECTS Salaries $ 90,424.32 $ 88,952.28 Operation 56,528.15 45,071.91 Capital Expenditure 60,840.10 39,491.59 Repair and Replacement 2,759.23 2,183.94 TOTAL .... $ 210,551.80 $ 175,699.72 TOTAL FISHERIES DIVISION .... $ 755,527.01 $ 908,591.83 GAME FARM DIVISION BILLINGS Salaries $ 4,488.99 $ Operation 2,676.45 40.79 Capital Expenditure 2,711.61* Repair and Replacement 2.737.7S 70.50 TOTAL $ 28,033.94 Indicates Credit — 53 — DETAIL OK EXPENDITURES— (Continued) April 1960 MOI1 SE Salaries 1 Iperation Capital Expenditure Rep. mv and Replacement i ( n \i. T< ITAL GAME F \ 241.51* 241.51" $ 76,757.31 1_V"4 60.61 $ 187.55 53,514.54 HELENA W \REHOUSE Salaries ( Iperation I iapital Expenditure Repair and Replacement I ' >l \I. ME< il \.\1C SHOP Salaries Operation Capital Expenditure Repair and Replacement Stock i Iredil for Services T< ITAL 7,002.73 1,166.66 10.25 356.99 8.536.63 3,611.45 1,330.73 1 32 88 5". 4" 2.200.70 8,403.46 1,931 79 1,503.99 : $ 12 14.2m i IS 1.621.41 21.20 24.14 WOODWORKING SHOP K HI NK IK H\SE Salaries .. ' Iperation I lapital Expenditure Repair and Replacement TOTAL 1,982.41 552 24 14.26 292.39 2.S71 30 1 73 53 ST( IRES AND SUPP1 11 I penditun foi Men handi i I r< dil for Merchandi e ( hecked ' lul 20,609.58 19,207.50 l . u 12 1 18 36,551 39 28.310 1"' W [LDLIFE REST( IP VTIO Salaries I iperal ion R( paii and Replai i roi M. GRAND TO! \i s 310.730.81 165.231 39 78.898.80 47.845.36 915.61 182 238 ' 11.358.35 936.03 Indii ate i redil 54 DETAIL OF EXPENDITURES— (Continued) April April 1959 1960 TOTAL SALARIES $ 1.183,148.10 $ 1.239.785.29 TOTAL OPERATIONS 630.071.24 704,860.61 TOTAL CAPITAL EXPENDITURES 290,701.62 519,098.74 TOTAL REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT 184,355.49 227,033.81 TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS 67,756.36 54,274.57 GRAND TOTAL OF EXPENDITURES $ 2,356,032.81 $ 2,745,053.02 RECAPITULATION OF FUNDS May 1, 1958 to April 30, 1959 And May 1, 1959 to April 30, 1960 Balance Forward April 30, 1958 $ 604,705.87 Income May 1, 1958-April 30, 1959 2,355,927.50 Bonds Redeemed May 1, 1958-April 30, 1959 400.000.00 Funds Available During Fiscal Year 1958-59 $ 3,360,633.37 Disbursements During Fiscal Year 1958-59 2,356,032.81 Balance April 30, 1959 $ 1,004,600.56 Income May 1, 1959- April 30, 1960 2,451,915.13 Funds Available During Fiscal Year 1959-60 $ 3,456,515.69 Disbursements During Fiscal Year, 1959-60 2,745,053.02 Balance With State Treasurer April 30, 1960 $ 711.462.67 Bond Investments 100.000.00 Total Funds April 30, 1960 $ 811,462.76 55 Montana Fish & Game Commission H. W. Black. Poison Chairman John T. Hanson, Sr.. Malta Vice Chairman E. G. Leipheimer. Jr.. Butte Member Ralph D. Shipley, Miles City Member E. J. Skibby, Lewistown Member Montana Fish & Game Department Walter J. Everin. Helena Don L. Brown. Helena Director Deputy Director DIVISION CHIEFS Robert F. Cooney, Helena Chief of Game Management William Alvord, Helena - Chief of Fisheries Management Frank H. Dunkle. Helena Chief of Information & Education Orville W. Lewis, Helena Chief Law Enforcement Officer R. H. Turnbull, Helena Chief Clerk OFFICE AND FISCAL Robert Armagost, Helena Photo Lab Assistant Lucille Baker. Helena Clerk-Stenographer Opal Bourassa, Helena Clerk-Stenographer Frances Breslin, Helena Clerk Ralph Cooper. East Helena Department Pilot Effie Cutler, East Helena Commission Secretary Shirley Davy, Helena Clerk -Stenographer Dave H. Dennis. Helena Claims Examiner Dorothy Erickson, Helena Key Punch Operator Fred E. Everett, Helena Clerk Sylvia Fitzgerald, Helena IBM Supervisor Ball, Helena Accounting Clerk Margaret Jennings, Helena Cashier Thomas H Leik, Helena Wildlife Statistician - 'in, Helena Clerk thaler Helena Accounting Clerk I i:"i" ' i Ih-lci.a IBM Operator Ann Rudio. Helena Clerk Billie Ann Sandru, Helena Evelyn Stanghill, East Helena. • i ii id lena .in,, Tubb . Helena John Van Engi n Helena I M ORCEMENT Donavan N Berg Robi rl Bird in ■.Mi. Deist Harold .1 Ebei le K. 0 Fallang Clerk ci. ik Stenographer clerk Stenographer Accounti Mail Clerk Bozeman Sidnej Big 'I'm ii 11 1 Kalisp ii Mil. Thompson Fall Havri I'll : I Libbj Browning Coli White Sulphui I Wayne M. Fitzwater Dillon James A. Ford, Great Falls District Warden Supervisor J. E. Gaab ngston Kenneth Grabei I Falls William L. Harrvman Garth L Haugland Billings Thomas R. Hay, Kalispell District Warden Supervisor James M. Henry ( I Floran C. Higgins it Falls Kenneth V. Unit Fort Peck Clyde P. Howard Missoula James J. Jordan Erwin J. Kent Milt Louis M. Kis Butte Jack H. Kohler, Billings District Warden Supervisor Robi 1 1 11 Lambeth Howard R I arsen Butte Orville W, Lewis Chief of Law Enforcement Wai mi; 1 Inville Broadus Jam. u Glendive Dun Mali Fori Benton William s M.,1, .11 Miles City Disti ict Warden Suj Augusta He, I Eureka Lev Malta Billings Kalispell W< 1 Velio Sheridan ( (ene 11 SI 1 trict Warden S Raleigh S Raj I. Si tarlna Hardin Sherman Strate Stanford Courtni \ 1. Taj loi Ji Hamilton John C Thomp 1 Towi stuait l' Markle William McKiei 11a Paul K Mil. alu vi. Roberl Miller 1,. 1. n 1. Peter F Quiring .lam. Rl Edv. m M Sagi 1 Kennel h I .. .ma! d .,.; E. W. Tierney .Harlowton I. L. Todd _ _ Ennis Vernon Waples Red Lodge Arthur Warner Missoula M. J. Watt, Missoula..._ District Warden Supervisor George H. Woodhall Glasgow Don W. Wright, Glasgow District Warden Supervisor FISHERIES William Alvord, Helena.. ..Chief of Fisheries Management George D. Holton, Helena.-.Chief Management Biologist Forest S. Keller, Helena Hatchery Superintendent Clinton G. Bishop, Helena Fishery Biologist Edith Barker, Helena..— Clerk- Stenographer Ellen Reid, Helena.™ Clerk-Stenographer Robert Averett, Helena Pollution Biologist J. E. Bailey, Bozeman Hatchery Biologist Wallace Beauiry, Anaconda Hatcheryman E. L. Blaskovich, Arlee _ Fish Culturist Ralph Boland, Missoula _ Fishery Biologist Clinton £urnett, Arlee „ Hatcheryman V. R. Campbell, Arlee Foreman-Hatchery E. D. Champin, Lewistown Hatcheryman Neil Clothier, Lewistown. ...Assistant Foreman-Hatchery Emmett L. Colley, Fromberg Foreman-Hatchery John T. Cox, Somers..... Foreman-Hatchery Elmer Engebrecht, Anaconda .Hatcheryman Edward H. Furnish, Lewistown Foreman-Hatchery John J. Gaffney, Bozeman District Fish Manager Eldon E. Haag, Somers Hatcheryman Delano Hanzel, Kalispell Fishery Biologist John R. Heaton, Bozeman Project Leader Cliff Hill, Glasgow Fishery Biologist Iver S. Hoglund, Great Falls Foreman-Hatchery R. L. Hughes, Lewistown Fish Culturist Joe E. Huston, Thompson Falls Fishery Biologist Harry P. Johnson, Fromberg Fish Culturist Leo S. LaTray, Hamilton Foreman-Hatchery W. R. Matthew, Big Timber : Hatcheryman E. R. McBride, Great Falls Fish Culturist Donald D. Miller, Fromberg Hatcheryman George Miller, Emigrant Foreman-Hatchery Bob Mitchell, Missoula .Laborer Thomas F. Morgan, Emigrant Fish Culturist W. B. Morin, Somers Assistant Foreman-Hatchery Perry Nelson, Billings District Fish Manager E. M. Nevala, Great Falls Laborer Lester Newman, Libby Foreman-Hatchery C. R. Nyquist, Great Falls Hatcheryman Boyd R. Opheim, Kalispell District Fish Manager John C. Peters, Billings Fishery Biologist Thomas Schurr, Poison Foreman-Hatchery Walter R. Snyder, Big Timber Foreman-Hatchery A. E. Tangen, Anaconda Foreman-Hatchery Jim Taylor, Hamilton Hatcheryman Warren K. Taylor, Fromberg Hatcheryman W. J. Thompson, Libby .Fish Culturist Nels A. Toreson, Great Falls District Fish Manager J. P. Waynard, Emigrant Hatcheryman Gene Welch, Great Falls Fishery Biologist A. N. Whitney, Missoula District Fish Manager GAME MANAGEMENT DIVISION Robert F. Cooney Chief of Game Management Wynn G. Freeman State Small Game Manager Fletcher Newby State Big Game Manager Glen F. Cole : JBig Game Research Supervisor Robert L. Eng Small Game Research Supervisor Vera Lansing „ Clerk-Stenographer Margaret Klickman Clerk-Stenographer Joaquina Lovely Clerk-Stenographer Dorothy Zimmerman Clerk-Stenographer Richard Borgmann „ Land Agent Robert L. Brown Biologist Faye M. Couey District Game Manager Chester L. Duffy Assistant Land Agent Joseph L. Egan.. .District Game Manager LeRoy Ellig _ District Game Manager Bert Goodman .....Manager — Sun River Game Range Kenneth R. Greer „ Biologist Fred L. Hartkorn. — _ .Biologist Vernon Hawley „ Biologist Robert G. Hensler...„ _ Biologist Reuel Janson .District Game Manager Charles Jonkel ..._ _ Biologist Richard R. Knight -Biologist Richard Mackie James McLucas James Mitchell Tom Mussehl ... Jack Owens Harold Picton .Biologist .....Fieldman .Biologist Biologist .....Fieldman ..Biologist Robert Rathweiler ..._ ...Biologist Jack Ray _ - — Fieldman Merle Rognrud District Game Manager Ralph Rouse — .Biologist David Spaulding Manager— Porcupine Game Range David Stonehouse — Manager— Blackfoot-Clearwater Game Range Joseph E. Townsend -District Game Manager Richard Trueblood -District Game Manager Robert Varner Manager — Judith Game Range Richard Weckwerth ...„ - .Biologist John Weigand .Biologist Dale W. Witt™ .Biologist INFORMATION AND EDUCATION DIVISION Frank H. Dunkle, Helena Chief Vernon E. Craig, Helena Assistant Chief Margaret Brooks _ Secretary, Helena Lloyd Casagranda, Billings- District I & E Representative Robert J. Donlin, Helena — Supervisor-Water & Hunter Safety Hector J. LaCasse, Helena — Movie & Photographic Supervisor Joyce MacDuffie, Helena Clerk-Stenographer Phyllis L. McLean, Helena — Information & Education Assistant Richard J. Munroe, Great Falls- District I & E Representative B. J. Rose, Missoula District I & E Representative Tom L. Smith, Helena Education Assistant H. Max Stone, Glasgow.. ..District I & E Representative ENGINEERING Paul Williams, Helena Department Engineer John Waldron, Helena Assistant Engineer Rex C. Smart, Helena Shop Foreman Edward Ludtke, Helena Mechanic James Turner, Helena -...Mechanic WAREHOUSE Keith A. Freseman, Helena Property Officer Jim Gibson, Helena Laborer Beverly Hilger, Helena Clerk-Stenographer DISTRICT HEADQUARTER SECRETARIES Dorothy E. Smith, Kalispell .District 1 Beth A. Miller, Missoula District 2 Dorothy H. Bryson, Manhattan .District 3 Mary Oliver, Great Falls .District 4 Seena R. Walker, Great Falls District 4 Marian J. Cloyd, Billings District 5 Deanna R, Nelson, Tampico District 6 U. S. FISH & WDLDLIFE SERVICE Ashton Brann, Helena.. ..U. S. Game Management Agent E. F. Grand, Billings Dist. Agent-Predator Control I GIVE MY PLEDGE AS AN AMERICAN TO SAVE AND FAITHFULLY TO DEFEND FROM WASTE THE NATURAL RESOURCES OF MY COUNTRY — ITS SOIL AND MINERALS, ITS * FORESTS, WATERS, * * AND WILDLIFE * BE A GOOD SPORTSMAN Ask Permission To Hunt Or Fish ON PRIVATE PROPERTY